France took a significant step in its energy strategy on Saturday, connecting the Flamanville 3 European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) in Normandy to the national electricity grid.
The reactor, now the most powerful in the country, began supplying electricity to French households at 11:48 a.m. local time (1048 GMT), according to a statement by EDF CEO Luc Rémont.
President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the achievement, describing it as a “great moment for the country” on X (formerly Twitter).
He lauded the reactor as “one of the world’s most powerful nuclear reactors” and emphasized its role in France’s push for low-carbon energy production. “Re-industrialising to produce low-carbon energy is ecology French style,” Macron stated.
The Flamanville 3 EPR is a new-generation pressurized water reactor and only the fourth of its kind to be completed globally.
At 1,600 MW, it surpasses the output of any other reactor in France and is expected to provide electricity to more than two million homes.
The connection to the grid marks the first time in 25 years that a new reactor has started operations in France, the last being Civaux 2 in southwestern France.
A Project Marred by Delays and Costs
The activation of Flamanville 3 comes 12 years behind schedule, following numerous technical setbacks and cost overruns.
Initially projected to cost €3.3 billion, the project’s final price tag soared to an estimated €13.2 billion, more than four times the original budget.
Despite the setbacks, the reactor’s connection to the grid marks a milestone in France’s ambitious nuclear agenda. “The last time a reactor started up in France was 25 years ago at Civaux 2,” Rémont noted, calling the event “historic.”
The start-up process began on September 3 but was temporarily halted the following day due to an automatic shutdown. Operations resumed shortly after, with electricity generation gradually increased to facilitate the connection to the network.
Nuclear Power: A Pillar of France’s Energy Strategy
Nuclear power plays a pivotal role in France’s energy portfolio, accounting for approximately 60% of its energy output.
The country boasts one of the largest nuclear programs in the world, a stark contrast to neighboring Germany, which phased out nuclear energy in 2023.
Macron has reaffirmed his commitment to nuclear energy, framing it as central to achieving energy sustainability. He has ordered six EPR2 reactors, with options for eight more, representing investments that could total tens of billions of euros.
The successful connection of Flamanville 3 highlights the government’s determination to modernize its energy infrastructure amid rising demand and the global push for low-carbon energy solutions.
A Step Forward Amid Challenges
The Flamanville 3 reactor is expected to serve as a benchmark for future projects, despite its protracted construction timeline and soaring costs.
As France continues to expand its nuclear capabilities, the reactor’s activation underscores the nation’s commitment to balancing industrial innovation with environmental goals.
For French citizens, Flamanville 3 promises increased energy security and a significant contribution to the country’s low-carbon ambitions.
