EDF, UNDER PRESSURE OVER EPR2, OPENS THE DOOR TO MINI-REACTORS

The project for six new EPR2 reactors is progressing, but with as yet unknown deadlines and costs. The first reactor is not expected to be commissioned before 2038, which is later than expected. EDF is still working on refining the overall costing, while the State has already defined a financing model based on a subsidized loan and a guaranteed price of €100/MWh to ensure the project's profitability.
In parallel with large reactors, France wants to develop a sector of small modular reactors (SMRs). These smaller reactors, which are faster to build and more flexible, could play a complementary role by providing carbon-free energy to industrial sites or isolated networks.
The State has commissioned the start-up Calogena to develop a prototype in Cadarache, one of the main nuclear research centers in France. Another site is also being studied in Marcoule.