Jul 4, 2025
EDF plans to invest approximately $7 billion to extend the operational lifespan of its nuclear facilities.
French utility EDF plans to invest 6 billion euros ($7.05 billion) to extend the operational life of 20 of its nuclear reactors, following approval from the country's nuclear regulator. The ASN allowed EDF, which is state-owned, to enhance safety standards at its 1300MW reactors for continued operation beyond their original 40-year duration. Upgrading these safety standards to align with those of newer European Pressurised Reactor models is estimated to cost 6 billion euros, and EDF has already started preparatory work on the first reactor as of last year.
President Emmanuel Macron has prioritized expanding France's nuclear production capacity by both prolonging the life of existing sites and constructing at least six new reactors over the coming decades. This initiative comes amid financial challenges for heavily indebted EDF, which has encountered project delays, cost overruns on new plants, and defects in some reactors. Additionally, the financially struggling French government is attempting to push a budget with 40 billion euros in savings through a divided parliament, having already provided around 10 billion euros to nationalize EDF in 2023.
CEO Bernard Fontana, who took office earlier this year, has been tasked with revitalizing the nuclear expansion and is exploring funding options for upgrades and new constructions, including potential asset sales. The regulator will set specific safety requirements for each reactor during inspections conducted every 40 years, and EDF will need to submit annual reports on its progress in meeting these standards. This decision affects 20 reactors within the country's fleet of 56, which will reach their currently approved lifespan between 2026 and 2040. The regulator had previously authorized extensions for EDF's 32 smaller 900MW reactors.
President Emmanuel Macron has prioritized expanding France's nuclear production capacity by both prolonging the life of existing sites and constructing at least six new reactors over the coming decades. This initiative comes amid financial challenges for heavily indebted EDF, which has encountered project delays, cost overruns on new plants, and defects in some reactors. Additionally, the financially struggling French government is attempting to push a budget with 40 billion euros in savings through a divided parliament, having already provided around 10 billion euros to nationalize EDF in 2023.
CEO Bernard Fontana, who took office earlier this year, has been tasked with revitalizing the nuclear expansion and is exploring funding options for upgrades and new constructions, including potential asset sales. The regulator will set specific safety requirements for each reactor during inspections conducted every 40 years, and EDF will need to submit annual reports on its progress in meeting these standards. This decision affects 20 reactors within the country's fleet of 56, which will reach their currently approved lifespan between 2026 and 2040. The regulator had previously authorized extensions for EDF's 32 smaller 900MW reactors.