The French government has given EDF the green light to begin preparatory work for two next-generation EPR2 reactors at the Gravelines nuclear power station in the Nord département. A decree published in the Official Journal grants the state-owned energy giant the environmental authorisation needed to start site preparation, marking a concrete step in France's ambitious nuclear revival programme.
The authorisation covers a range of activities, including platform servicing, the creation of construction facilities, and the relocation of the plant's rail terminal. Earthworks, ground reinforcement, and the construction of a watertight enclosure beneath the future reactor buildings are also included, along with an intake channel and initial civil engineering works. The project also entails relocating protected flora and fauna during favourable seasons and building a new public information centre.
The work will take place in the municipalities of Gravelines and Longs-Plage, with the exception of a car park in Craivic and Bourbourg. EDF stressed that the decree does not constitute authorisation to build the reactors themselves. "It allows EDF gradually to launch the first operations aimed at preparing the site for the future construction project," the company told AFP. It added that the decree does not permit the construction of buildings intended to house nuclear materials or equipment needed for nuclear safety.
Environmental monitoring will be carried out throughout the work under the supervision of the competent authorities, EDF said. The decree was signed by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Minister for Ecological Transition Monique Barbut, and Minister for Cities Vincent Jeanbrun.
A key step in France's nuclear strategy
The Gravelines project is part of a broader plan announced by President Emmanuel Macron in February 2022 to build six new pressurised water reactors, with an option for eight more. The first three pairs are slated for Penly in Normandy, Gravelines, and Bugey in the Ain department. The first pair, at Penly, is expected to come online around 2038.
At Gravelines, two 1,600 MW EPR reactors are planned, adding to the six 900 MW units already in operation. The site, which is western Europe's largest nuclear power station, is central to the Dunkirk region's efforts to decarbonise its industry, which currently relies heavily on fossil fuels. The final investment decision for the six new EPR2 reactors is expected by the end of 2026.
The authorisation comes at a time when France's nuclear fleet has faced significant operational challenges. In early August, a combination of a heatwave and a sudden influx of jellyfish forced the shutdown of three reactors at Gravelines, leaving a fifth of France's nuclear capacity offline. The jellyfish, which drifted into the plant's cooling water intake from the port of Dunkirk, clogged pumping stations and triggered automatic shutdowns of units 2, 3, and 4. Units 1 and 5 were already undergoing maintenance.
The Nuclear Safety Authority said at the time that the incident did not affect the cooling of equipment. Similar incidents have occurred at plants in the United States, Sweden, and Scotland. A few days later, France recorded a shortfall of more than 20% in its nuclear electricity production capacity, a record level of unavailability due to environmental constraints. Thirteen of the 57 reactors in the fleet were affected, with eight completely shut down and five operating at reduced output.
Nuclear energy accounts for around 70% of France's electricity production, and output has been disrupted this year by multiple heatwaves and droughts. The challenges at Gravelines highlight the vulnerability of nuclear plants to environmental factors, even as France pushes forward with its plans to expand its reactor fleet. The new EPR2 reactors are designed to be more resilient, but the recent disruptions serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing a nuclear fleet in a changing climate.
For the Dunkirk region, the Gravelines expansion is a major industrial undertaking. The area is home to significant steel, cement, and chemical industries that are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The new reactors are expected to provide low-carbon electricity to support these efforts, but the project has also faced scrutiny over costs, timelines, and safety. The preparatory work authorised by the decree is a necessary first step, but the path to operation remains long and uncertain.
As France moves forward with its nuclear plans, it is also watching developments elsewhere in Europe. Spain recently extended operations at the Almaraz plant to 2030, while Hungary has deployed emergency measures to keep the Paks plant running as the Danube drops. These contrasting approaches reflect the diverse energy strategies across the continent, as countries grapple with the twin challenges of decarbonisation and energy security.
