In February 2022 President Emmanuel Macron announced that the time was right for a nuclear renaissance in France, saying the operation of all existing reactors should be extended without compromising safety, and unveiling the proposed programme for six new EPR2 reactors, with an option for a further eight EPR2 reactors to follow. The first three pairs of EPR2 reactors are proposed to be built, in order, at the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey nuclear power plant sites. Construction was expected to start in 2027 with commissioning in 2035, but that target date for commissioning the first reactor at Penly is now 2038, with subsequent units following at intervals of up to 18 months.
Under the new non-exclusive agreement, Technip Energies will deploy experienced personnel into key operational roles within EDF, particularly in project and construction management process, as part of integrated teams working alongside EDF’s personnel. With this model, EDF will draw on Technip Energies’ expertise in the delivery of major complex industrial and energy projects to help strengthen execution discipline and improve schedule predictability across all EDF’s nuclear new-build activities.
The agreement establishes a common foundation for long-term cooperation, enabling both companies to combine complementary capabilities and capitalise on lessons learned from large-scale industrial projects in support of EDF’s future nuclear developments.
“This agreement marks a new chapter between EDF and Technip Energies,” said Loïc Chapuis, President Project Delivery and Services at Technip Energies. “By combining EDF’s long-standing nuclear expertise with Technip Energies’ experience in delivering highly complex industrial and energy infrastructure, our integrated teams will support execution and schedule certainty across major nuclear projects. Beyond the operational benefits, this partnership reflects the kind of long-term industrial cooperation needed to deliver France’s nuclear ambitions and support the future of the EPR2 programme.”
Thierry Le Mouroux, Group Senior Executive Vice President with responsibility for the Nuclear Projects and Industrial Partnership Division at EDF, added: “This strategic partnership combines the complementary expertise of both companies. The EDF Group brings its mastery of reactor engineering and an efficient supply chain dedicated to building EPR2s, while Technip Energies contributes its world-renowned complex project management skills. Together, we strengthen the French nuclear team to ensure the EPR2 programme is delivered successfully – on time, within budget, and to the expected levels of safety.”
The EPR2 reactor is a pressurised water reactor project developed by EDF and Framatome. It meets the general safety objectives of the third generation of reactors. Its aim is to incorporate design, construction and commissioning experience feedback from the EPR reactor, as well as operating experience from the nuclear reactors currently in service.
