The CPN reaffirmed the importance of the programme to build six EPR2 reactors at the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey sites in France, as well as its financing principles and parameters, which are subject to approval by the European Commission. This programme represents the industrial project of the century and provides long‑term visibility for the entire sector. EDF group teams and all industrial partners are fully mobilised to deliver the EPR2 programme in accordance with the safety, security, quality, schedule and cost requirements. They are also committed to implementing the recommendations issued by the Interministerial Delegation for New Nuclear (la Délégation interministérielle au nouveau nucléaire -DINN) as part of its audit.
Furthermore, the CPN confirmed the programmes aimed at modernising and extending the operational lifetime of the reprocessing and recycling plants and the facilities for the fabrication of recycled fuels, as well as their renewal.
In this regard, Orano is pursuing the Aval du Futur programme, which will prepare the technologies, processes and infrastructures that will succeed the current La Hague and Melox facilities. The CPN has validated the main financing principles of this programme.
The CPN also reaffirmed its ambition regarding the closure of the fuel cycle. It has therefore been decided to launch a four‑year study phase to design the facilities required for closing the cycle, including a fast neutron reactor as well as the associated facilities for fuel fabrication and reprocessing. Stakeholders across the nuclear sector are fully mobilised to undertake this study, drawing on the sector's experience with this technology. This programme will be subject to dedicated governance involving all stakeholders.
The French nuclear sector stakeholders, represented by EDF, Framatome, the CEA and Orano, share the conviction, reaffirmed by the CPN, that nuclear electricity generation is essential to France's energy and industrial sovereignty, and ensures a long‑term supply of competitive, low‑carbon electricity.