Nuclear in 2025: The Five Major Challenges for France

With historic progress in 2024, 2025 promises to be a decisive year for French nuclear energy. Between new energy strategies, major reforms, and public debates, the challenges are immense. Here’s an overview of the five key developments to watch closely as the sector undergoes significant transformation.

2024 ended on a high note for nuclear energy. Highlights included the grid connection of the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor on December 21, making it the most powerful reactor in France’s fleet. This marks a positive signal as France advances several major programs: extending the lifespan of existing reactors to 60 years, constructing 6 to 14 EPR2 reactors, developing the Nuward SMR, and supporting innovative reactors. In 2025, efforts will focus on establishing financial, regulatory, and democratic frameworks for these projects. Here are the six key issues to follow:

1. The Cost Estimate for the Six EPR2 Reactors

All eyes are on the cost estimate for the six EPR2 reactor program, a critical figure that will shape the financing model. A preliminary estimate suggested a total cost of €67 billion. EDF, in collaboration with its suppliers, is working to optimize this figure. This strategic project will need approval from the Nuclear Policy Council (CPN) before any public announcement.

2. New PPE and SNBC: Upcoming Energy Roadmap

The public consultation on the Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE) and the National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC) concluded at the end of 2024, with Sfen publishing a public contribution on the subject. This paves the way for major decisions. The previous PPE’s plan to shut down 14 reactors has been replaced with an active revival of nuclear energy. Summaries of the consultation and decrees related to these strategic documents are expected soon.

3. Nuclear Safety Reform: A Strategic Merger

As of January 1, 2025, the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) have merged into a single entity: the Nuclear Safety and Radiological Protection Authority (ASNR). This reform aims to strengthen oversight efficiency. However, clarifications are needed regarding internal organization, particularly the separation of expertise and decision-making functions—a key issue when the internal regulations are presented to the Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (Opecst).

4. Preparing for Life After ARENH

2025 marks the end of the ARENH (Regulated Access to Historical Nuclear Electricity), a key mechanism for industrial energy supply. In the absence of consensus on new taxation thresholds, the government has encouraged EDF to propose Nuclear Production Allocation Contracts (CAPN). Negotiations are underway to secure more contracts, with a progress update expected at the end of January.

5.Public Debates: Three Key Consultations for Nuclear’s Future

The year will feature several strategic public debates:

• • Gravelines (Hauts-de-France): Consultation on the installation of two EPR2 reactors (ends January 17).
  • Fessenheim (Haut-Rhin): Discussions on the Technocentre for recycling low-level radioactive metals (ends January 23).
  • Bugey (Ain): Public debate on two EPR2 reactors, running from January to May 2025.