France authorises preparatory works for two new EPR2 reactors at Gravelines
The French government has authorised EDF to begin site preparation work for a new pair of EPR2 reactors planned at the Gravelines nuclear site, marking a further step in France's programme to expand its nuclear generating capacity.
The authorisation was granted through a decree published in France's Official Journal on 22 August, covering works associated with the future EPR2 units in the municipalities of Gravelines, Craywick, Loon-Plage and Bourbourg.
The EPR2 is an enhanced version of the EPR reactor design developed by EDF and Framatome, incorporating lessons learned from previous EPR projects and operational experience from the current nuclear fleet
The EPR2 is an enhanced version of the EPR reactor design, incorporating lessons learned and operational experience
Part of France's nuclear expansion strategy
The project forms part of the programme announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, which combines the long-term operation of the existing reactor fleet with the construction of six new EPR2 reactors and the possibility of up to eight additional units.
The first six EPR2 reactors are planned for the existing nuclear sites of Penly, Gravelines and Bugey, with two units at each location. Penly, where preparatory works began in 2024, will serve as the reference project for the programme, with construction currently expected to begin in 2027.
This is part of a programme combining the long-term operation of the existing fleet with the construction of six to eight new EPR2 reactors
Infrastructure and environmental works
The authorised works at Gravelines include the development of site infrastructure, access roads and parking facilities, relocation of the existing railway terminal, construction of a public information centre, earthworks, soil reinforcement, initial civil engineering activities and the creation of a water intake channel. Environmental measures, including the relocation of protected flora and fauna, are also covered by the approval.
Gravelines, located in northern France, currently operates six 910 MWe pressurised water reactors and is one of Europe's largest nuclear power plants. The new authorisation follows similar preparatory activities already underway at the Penly site.
The authorised project includes development of infrastructure and environmental measures
Source: World Nuclear News
