EDF invests nearly 100 million euros in EPR2 manufacturing plant

French state-owned energy company EDF is investing nearly 100 million euros in a new Arabelle Solutions plant in the city of Chalon-sur-Saône in eastern France. The factory will manufacture key components for the non-nuclear parts of new EPR2 reactor units.

According to EDF, the investment will support France’s plan to build six EPR2 units and create capacity for the possible construction of a further eight units in France. The plant is also expected to serve international projects to build new nuclear reactors.

New plant to create 160 jobs

Construction of the new facility is expected to create around 160 jobs in the region by 2030. EDF says the plant is expected to start manufacturing its first components in 2030.

The new plant is expected to have the capacity to supply equipment for one nuclear power plant each year. EDF stresses that the investment will strengthen France’s supply chain and enable components for future EPR2 units to be sourced directly from domestic factories.

Equipment for the plant’s secondary circuit

The plant in Chalon-sur-Saône is expected to focus on manufacturing equipment for the conventional, non-nuclear part of a nuclear power plant. This will include components that improve heat exchange and the efficiency of the steam cycle in the secondary circuit, where the energy of steam is converted into electricity by a turbine and generator. Specifically, the equipment will include moisture separators with steam reheaters, as well as high- and low-pressure feedwater heaters.

The project follows other investments by Arabelle Solutions, including at its site in Belfort in northeastern France. Turbines and generators for nuclear power plants are designed and manufactured there.

According to EDF, these investments will enable Arabelle Solutions to supply and integrate complete turbine hall equipment for nuclear power plants.

France preparing new units at Penly, Gravelines and Bugey

The new manufacturing capacity is linked to France’s broader new nuclear build programme. EDF has already applied for permission to build two EPR2 units at Penly in Normandy. A second pair of units is planned at Gravelines, around 170 kilometres northeast of Penly.

The third project is the construction of two EPR2 units at Bugey in southeastern France. EDF said in October that it plans to apply for an environmental permit and begin preparatory work as early as 2027.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently said in relation to nuclear energy that the world cannot achieve decarbonisation, energy independence and economic competitiveness without using nuclear power.

French nuclear plants provide most of the country’s electricity

Nuclear power plants have long been the backbone of France’s energy sector, generating around two-thirds of the country’s electricity.

In addition to the 56 long-running commercial units, the new Flamanville 3 unit has also joined the fleet. It was connected to the grid in December 2024 and, after years of delays and cost increases, has already reached its nominal output.