EDF presents cost estimate for six new French nuclear units

The programme to build six new EPR2 nuclear reactors in France is taking clearer shape. EDF has published a first cost estimate of nearly EUR 73 billion. France plans to build the new nuclear units at the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey power plants, with the first expected to come online in 2038. The proposed state support for the programme is now being examined by the European Commission. EDF expects a final decision on building 10 GW of new installed capacity this year.

French energy company EDF published its first cost estimates for the EPR2 programme, which includes six new nuclear reactors. Building three pairs of new units at the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey power plants is expected to cost a total of EUR 72.8 billion (roughly CZK 1.76 trillion) in 2020 prices. The EPR2 units will be based on the EPR design, with an installed capacity of around 1650 MW. The newly built units would therefore have a combined capacity of up to 10 GW.

“The cost estimate for the EPR2 programme reflects the commitment of EDF teams, its subsidiaries and all our industrial partners to controlling schedules and costs. Completing the EPR2 programme will contribute to France’s energy and industrial sovereignty and to its energy transition for decades to come,” said Bernard Fontana, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDF Group.

The first site where EDF is likely to begin construction is the Penly power plant on France’s northern coast. The company began the initial preparatory work for the site in mid-2023. The first new unit at Penly is scheduled to begin operation in 2038. The other units are expected to come online at intervals of 12-18 months.

France’s only EPR reactor, Flamanville 3, faced a series of delays and cost increases during construction, raising questions about how realistic the current EPR2 estimates are.

Final investment decision expected this year

The first cost estimate will now be reviewed by the interministerial delegation for new nuclear energy. EDF has approved a budget of EUR 2.6 billion (roughly CZK 65 billion) for 2026. The company plans to make a final investment decision later this year.

In November 2025, France submitted its proposal for state support for the new nuclear units to the European Commission for approval. It includes a subsidised loan to finance at least half of construction costs, 40 years of support through a Contract for Difference, and risk-sharing between the state and EDF.