France Approves Preliminary Works for EPR2 Project at Gravelines Nuclear Power Plant

The French government issued a decree on August 22, local time, approving French utility EDF to launch preliminary preparation works for two EPR2 pressurized water reactors at the Gravelines nuclear power plant, and granting it related environmental permits for site development. The plant currently operates six 900 MW units and is the largest nuclear power station in Western Europe by installed capacity.

According to the decree, the approved works include construction of construction platforms and site facilities, relocation of the existing rail terminal, earthworks, foundation reinforcement, construction of waterproof containment structures, and construction access roads. The work also involves relocation of protected flora and fauna, construction of a public information center, and construction of some ancillary parking facilities.

EDF stated that the decree allows the company to carry out site preparation works in phases, but it does not constitute approval for the construction of the two EPR2 reactors, nor does it permit the start of construction of buildings intended for storing nuclear materials or performing nuclear safety functions. The main reactor buildings and nuclear fuel-related safety facilities will still require formal permits at a later stage.

The Gravelines project plans to add two EPR2 reactors with a unit capacity of 1,600 MW each. EDF is responsible for reactor construction, while French transmission system operator RTE is responsible for connecting the new units to the public transmission grid. EDF previously stated that the Gravelines nuclear power plant generated 32.27 TWh of electricity in 2025, equivalent to approximately 60% of the annual electricity consumption of the Hauts-de-France region.

The project is part of France's new nuclear construction program. France plans to build a total of six EPR2 reactors at three sites—Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey—with an option reserved for the subsequent addition of eight more units. The first two units are planned for the Penly nuclear power plant in Normandy, with a target commissioning date of 2038. The preliminary total investment estimate for the six units, published by EDF in December 2025, is approximately €72.8 billion, with a final investment decision expected before the end of 2026.

Alongside the advancement of new build projects, French nuclear operations are also facing challenges from extreme weather and ecological factors. On August 13, 13 of France's 57 nuclear reactors were shut down or operated at reduced power due to environmental constraints, with 8 completely shut down and 5 operating at reduced output. At the Gravelines plant, five of the six units were affected at the time due to large quantities of jellyfish entering the cooling water intake. Nuclear plants along some inland rivers also had to adjust operations due to rising river temperatures and reduced flow from heatwaves, in order to meet environmental requirements related to cooling water discharge.

EDF plans to invest €8.7 billion by 2040 in climate adaptation measures for power generation facilities, of which €4.3 billion is allocated to nuclear facilities. France's new nuclear construction program and related retrofit investments also provide long-term market opportunities for equipment suppliers seeking to enter the European nuclear supply chain, although European nuclear standards, localization preferences, and environmental compliance requirements will continue to constitute relatively high entry barriers.