EDF continues its ambition in the nuclear sector with the planned commissioning of the new EPR by 2035
The CEO of EDF, Luc Rémont, stated on Friday, November 24th, that the objective of commissioning the first reactor of the new nuclear power plant by 2035 is «very demanding».
Confirming the timeline for the commissioning of the Flamanville EPR reactor with a delay of twelve years, expected to occur around 2024, Rémont emphasized the commitment of EDF and the entire industrial sector to construct six new EPR2 reactors, with the first expected to be operational at Penly between 2035-2037.
France, facing historically low nuclear production in 2022, aims for 400 TWh by 2030 to improve its financial situation. Following the re-nationalization of EDF last June, the state now holds 100% of the capital of the French electricity company, which is burdened with a debt of 65 billion euros.
The CEO also confirmed the twelve-year delay in commissioning the Flamanville EPR, planned for the first quarter of 2024, with an additional cost overrun of 500 million euros. Luc Rémont assured that France could face the winter with confidence despite a nuclear capacity available of 43 GW out of a total power of 61.4 GW, emphasizing the need to continue energy efficiency efforts.
Finally, according to the executive, the agreement with the state on electricity price regulation will provide «much stronger protection» for citizens.
