- Flamanville EPR connected to the grid on December 20, 2024, marking the first new French reactor since 1999. It supplies electricity to two million households.
- EDF overcame a 12-year delay and soaring costs (final total: €13.2 billion) to bring the 1,600 MW reactor online, reinforcing France’s nuclear revival.
- Flamanville’s operation strengthens France’s energy exports and positions the country as Europe’s top nuclear power producer amid plans for six new EPR2 reactors.
After two decades of delays and cost overruns, France will connect the Flamanville EPR to the grid on Friday, December 20, 2024. This event marks the first new French reactor since 1999, advancing the country’s nuclear energy sector.
Flamanville 3 in Normandy will become the fourth operational EPR globally and the 57th in France’s nuclear fleet. With a capacity of 1,600 MW, it will supply electricity to two million households, making it the most powerful reactor in France. However, the project faced a 12-year delay and a cost increase to €13.2 billion, nearly four times the original estimate.
EDF began testing the reactor in September 2024, gradually increasing power. The company plans to complete full adjustments by the summer of 2025. Once it reaches 100% capacity, the reactor will run continuously until its first scheduled maintenance, called Full Inspection 1.
Since its launch in 2007, the Flamanville project encountered technical challenges, including issues with the reactor vessel steel and welding defects. The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) reported these problems, significantly delaying the project. The initial budget of €3.3 billion escalated to €13.2 billion, with the French Court of Auditors putting the total cost at €19 billion.
Despite these hurdles, France’s Flamanville EPR signals a renewed push for nuclear energy. EDF turned things around after years of setbacks, including stress corrosion in 2022 that reduced atomic output. Nuclear production increased by 15% in 2023, reaching 320.4 TWh, and projections for 2024 exceed 358 TWh.
President Emmanuel Macron’s 2022 plan to build six new EPR2 reactors aligns with this nuclear revival. These reactors aim to boost France’s energy independence and support its energy transition goals. Though France launched the Flamanville project earlier, it symbolises its renewed commitment to nuclear energy.
EPR technology continues to stir debate. Supporters argue it reduces CO₂ emissions and ensures stable energy, while critics highlight high costs, risks, and waste management challenges. Only three other EPRs currently operate, two in China and one in Finland, each experiencing similar delays and cost overruns.
Flamanville’s grid connection also comes as France redefines its energy policy. The country expects to break a record in 2024 with net electricity exports of 85 to 90 TWh, strengthening the economy and France’s influence in European energy discussions.
Flamanville EPR, despite its setbacks, provides valuable lessons for managing large industrial projects. EDF seeks to prove the viability of EPR technology as it moves forward with future reactors.
With the successful commissioning of Flamanville 3, France strengthens its leadership in nuclear energy. The reactor’s integration into the grid marks a crucial step in France’s role as Europe’s top nuclear power producer.