According to a document published by the French government on November 22, 2023, France plans to make a decision on the construction of the second batch of eight improved European Pressurized water Reactor (EPR2) units by the end of 2026. The decision, which comes just months before the next presidential election, shows the importance the government attaches to the development of nuclear energy.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious plan in 2022 to build up to 14 EPR2 units in two phases by 2050. The first phase will consist of six units, with construction scheduled to start in succession in 2028, while the second phase will include a further eight units. EPR-2 is an optimized version of the existing European pressurized water reactor, with a single installed capacity of 1.67 million kilowatts, with a shorter construction cycle, lower cost, higher economy and higher safety.

For the construction of the first six units, EDF plans to make a final investment decision by the end of 2024 to ensure that the units can be commissioned between 2035 and 2042. Several financing options are being considered, including direct state investment and private financing. However, as EDF will not be able to cover the full cost on its own, the government may provide some support.

In addition to the development of nuclear energy, the French government also plans to make more progress in the field of renewable energy. According to the document, the government will set new renewable energy development targets, including increasing the share of solar and wind power generation. The government will also develop a policy to promote the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Overall, the document demonstrates the French government's ambitions in the energy sector. By promoting the development of nuclear and renewable energy, France aims to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply in the coming years. Editor/Xu Shengpeng