Nuclear Energy in France: The World's Most Nuclear Nation
France generates approximately 70% of its electricity from nuclear power — a higher share than any other country in the world. This is not an accident of geography but the result of a strategic decision made in 1974, after the first oil crisis, by President Georges Pompidou (continued by Giscard d'Estaing): France, which has no significant domestic oil or gas reserves, would achieve energy independence through nuclear fission. Fifty years later, the
The Numbers
The decision was taken without a referendum. It was executed by EDF — a state monopoly with the engineering talent, the capital, and the political support to move fast. The standardisation was key: unlike the US, which built dozens of reactor designs, France built essentially one design in three sizes (900 MW, 1,300 MW, 1,450 MW). This reduced costs, simplified regulation, and accumulated operational experience rapidly.
The Result
By 1990, France had the cheapest electricity in Western Europe, near-zero CO₂ emissions from power generation, and energy independence from fossil fuel imports (for electricity). The programme is estimated to have avoided billions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to a fossil-fuel alternative.
The Industry
EDF
EDF's challenges are significant: an ageing reactor fleet (average age: ~38 years), corrosion issues discovered in 2022 that temporarily shut multiple reactors, massive debt (~€65 billion), and the cost overruns of the Flamanville EPR (originally budgeted at €3.3 billion, final cost ~€13.2 billion).
Orano
Framatome
Framatome (majority-owned by EDF) designs and manufactures reactor components, including the pressure vessels, steam generators, and control systems. It is France's reactor technology company and the designer of the EPR.
The CEA
The
The EPR and the Future
Flamanville
The EPR (European Pressurised Reactor) at Flamanville, Normandy, is France's first new reactor in 25 years. Its history is a cautionary tale: construction began in 2007, scheduled for completion in 2012 at a cost of €3.3 billion. It was finally connected to the grid in 2024 at a cost of approximately €13.2 billion. Welding defects, regulatory delays, and industrial skill attrition (France had not built a reactor since 1991) caused repeated setbacks.
The New Programme
Despite Flamanville's difficulties, France is committed to new nuclear: President Macron announced in 2022 a programme to build six EPR2 reactors (a simplified, cost-reduced EPR design), with options for eight more. The first pair are planned for Penly (Normandy), with a target start date of 2035.
The rationale: decarbonisation. France's electricity is already low-carbon (thanks to nuclear), but the electrification of transport, heating, and industry will require significantly more generation capacity. Replacing ageing reactors and expanding capacity simultaneously is the challenge of the next three decades.
SMRs
France is also developing small modular reactors (SMRs) — specifically the Nuward project (EDF/CEA), a 340 MW design intended for deployment from the mid-2030s.
The Politics
Nuclear power in France enjoys broader political support than in almost any other democracy. The right supports it for energy independence and industrial employment. Much of the left supports it for climate reasons and because EDF is a public company with strong unions. The Greens oppose it, but they are a minority voice.
Public opinion is broadly supportive, though the 2022 corrosion crisis (which temporarily reduced nuclear output by ~30% and contributed to electricity price spikes) tested confidence. The Fukushima disaster (2011) prompted debate but no policy change — unlike Germany, which shut down its entire nuclear fleet.
Energy Transition — How nuclear fits into France's broader energy transition — renewables, efficiency, and decarbonisation.
French Rivers & Waterways — The cooling water systems and river environments that nuclear plants depend on.