France’s Nuclear Ambitions: The Top 10 EPR and SMR Projects Defining the Nation’s Energy Strategy in 2025

In 2025, France is decisively executing a dual-track nuclear strategy, solidifying its commitment to atomic energy as the cornerstone of its decarbonization and energy security goals. The primary finding is a clear shift from planning to implementation, characterized by the commissioning of large-scale reactors and the simultaneous acceleration of a diverse Small Modular Reactor (SMR) ecosystem. This two-pronged approach is evidenced by the landmark grid connection of the 1, 600 MW Flamanville 3 European Pressurized Reactor (EPR), the commencement of preparatory work for the next-generation EPR 2 fleet, and the major regulatory strides made by multiple SMR developers. The dominant theme for 2025 is tangible progress, with public and private investment converging to build out both the established and next-generation nuclear fleet, positioning France as a global leader in nuclear innovation and deployment.

1. Flamanville 3 EPR (Commissioning)

Company: Électricité de France (EDF)
Installation Capacity: 1, 600 MW
Applications: Baseload grid power
Source: Uranium & Nuclear Nibbles ▪️France’s Nuclear Export Success …

2. EPR 2 New Build Program (Penly Site)

Company: Électricité de France (EDF)
Installation Capacity: 3, 200 MW (Two 1.6 GW reactors)
Applications: Baseload grid power
Source: Industry Update—May 2025 – American Nuclear Society

3. EPR 2 New Build Program (Bugey Site)

Company: Électricité de France (EDF)
Installation Capacity: 3, 200 MW (Two 1.6 GW reactors)
Applications: Baseload grid power
Source: EDF Planning To Begin Preparatory Work On New EPR 2 Nuclear …

4. NUWARD SMR Project

Company: NUWARD (EDF subsidiary)
Installation Capacity: 340 MWe
Applications: Grid power, industrial heat, export technology
Source: [PDF] The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy – Microsoft .NET

5. Newcleo Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR)

Company: Newcleo
Installation Capacity: 30 MWe prototype, 200 MWe commercial unit
Applications: Grid power, waste recycling
Source: Licensing of Newcleo’s SMR progresses in France

6. Blue Capsule Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)

Company: Blue Capsule
Installation Capacity: 50 MWe and 150 MWth
Applications: Industrial heat and power
Source: French firm’s sodium test rig to replicate 1382°F nuclear reactor temp

7. Stellaria Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)

Company: Stellaria
Installation Capacity: Not specified (development phase)
Applications: Grid power, industrial heat
Source: Welcome our latest investment: Stellaria – At One Ventures

8. Jimmy Energy High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR)

Company: Jimmy Energy
Installation Capacity: Not specified (development phase)
Applications: Industrial decarbonization via high-temperature heat
Source: French nuclear power enters a true “golden age” as a third company …

9. Thorizon One Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)

Company: Thorizon
Installation Capacity: Not specified (development phase)
Applications: Grid power, waste-to-energy
Source: Industry Update—August 2025 – American Nuclear Society

10. Nuclear for AI and Data Centers Initiative

Company: Électricité de France (EDF) / French Government
Installation Capacity: 250 MW target by end of 2026
Applications: Powering AI computing and data centers
Source: India and France Bet Big on Nuclear: SMRs and AI at the Forefront

Table: Top 10 Nuclear and SMR Projects in France (2024-2025)

Beyond the Grid: Nuclear Power for AI and Industry

The latest developments reveal a strategic expansion of nuclear energy’s role beyond traditional baseload electricity. The diversity of applications targeted by these projects signals a widening adoption curve. While large-scale EPR and EPR 2 reactors are focused on reinforcing the national grid, a significant portion of the SMR pipeline is aimed at new, high-value markets. The “Nuclear for AI and Data Centers Initiative” is a prime example, directly linking nuclear generation to the booming, power-intensive AI sector. EDF‘s plan to connect 250 MW of nuclear power to AI chips by 2026 creates a novel offtake market and provides a carbon-free solution for an industry facing scrutiny over its energy consumption. Furthermore, developers like Jimmy Energy and Blue Capsule are specifically designing reactors for industrial decarbonization. Jimmy Energy’s HTGR targets high-temperature process heat, while Blue Capsule’s SFR is developing a sodium test rig to validate its technology for providing both heat and power to industrial sites. This proves nuclear is no longer just a utility-scale solution but is becoming a versatile tool for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.

SMR Pipeline Shows Growing Diversity

This chart illustrates the burgeoning global SMR pipeline mentioned in the text, highlighting the diversity of reactor types in development that can serve new markets beyond the traditional grid.

(Source: POWER Magazine)

France’s Centralized Strategy: A Blueprint for a Nuclear Renaissance

Geographically, these projects are almost entirely concentrated within France, underscoring a deliberate and centralized national strategy rather than a diffuse global trend. This domestic focus is the engine of France’s nuclear renaissance. The government’s “France 2030” investment plan, which allocates €1 billion for SMRs, provides the financial impetus, while the country’s mature nuclear ecosystem—led by state-owned EDF and its partners Framatome and Naval Group—provides the industrial capacity. The systematic site selection for the EPR 2 program at Penly and Bugey demonstrates a methodical, long-term rollout plan. Simultaneously, France has cultivated a vibrant innovation hub for SMRs. The fact that three private companies—Newcleo, Stellaria, and Jimmy Energy—all filed reactor plans with the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in late 2025 and early 2026 highlights a clear and trusted regulatory pathway that is attracting private capital and accelerating development timelines.

France’s Historic Shift to Nuclear Power

This chart visualizes the outcome of the centralized national strategy discussed in the section, showing how France historically transitioned to a nuclear-dominant energy mix.

(Source: WTS Energy)

From Commissioning to Concept: A Multi-Generational Technology Push

The projects reveal a full-spectrum approach to technology maturity, de-risking the country’s long-term energy future by investing across multiple generations of nuclear technology. At the commercially proven end, the Flamanville 3 EPR is now operational, and its streamlined successor, the EPR 2, is moving into the construction phase. This demonstrates a commitment to scaling proven, albeit complex, Generation III+ technology. In parallel, the NUWARD SMR, a more conventional Pressurized Water Reactor design, represents the most mature SMR project, targeting first construction around 2030. Further down the maturity curve are the innovative Generation IV designs. Projects from Newcleo (Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor), Blue Capsule (Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor), and Stellaria (Molten Salt Reactor) are now in the critical pre-licensing phase. Their recent submissions to the ASN are a major signal that these advanced concepts are transitioning from academic theory to concrete engineering and regulatory validation. This multi-technology strategy ensures France is not only building for today’s needs with EPRs but is also cultivating the advanced reactor technologies that will define the market in the 2030 s and beyond.

Most SMRs Still in Design Phase

Supporting the section’s theme of a “multi-generational technology push,” this chart reveals that most SMR concepts are in the early design phase, reflecting investment across the full spectrum of technology maturity.

(Source: EnkiAI)

The Dual-Track Future: Executing Today, Innovating for Tomorrow

The developments in 2025 signal that France’s nuclear future is not a choice between large reactors and SMRs but a comprehensive strategy that leverages both. Large-scale EPR 2 s are set to become the workhorses of the future grid, providing immense, carbon-free baseload power to replace the nation’s aging fleet. In parallel, the burgeoning SMR sector is positioned to capture new markets that large reactors cannot efficiently serve, such as providing dedicated power for data centers, process heat for industry, and creating a potential new export category for French technology. The most critical insight is the simultaneous execution of both tracks. The successful commissioning of Flamanville 3, despite its delays and cost overruns, provides invaluable experience and renewed confidence for the six-unit EPR 2 program. At the same time, strong government backing and a clear regulatory framework have created a fertile ground for a domestic SMR industry, turning France into a global hub for next-generation nuclear innovation.

Nuclear-Heavy Grid Lowers Energy Costs

This chart supports the economic rationale for France’s dual-track strategy, demonstrating that future energy scenarios with a larger share of nuclear power lead to significantly lower total system costs.

(Source: 自然エネルギー財団)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is France’s ‘dual-track’ nuclear strategy mentioned in the article?

France’s dual-track strategy involves simultaneously building large, powerful reactors (like the 1,600 MW+ EPR and EPR 2) for national baseload grid power, while also accelerating the development of a diverse ecosystem of smaller reactors (SMRs) for new applications like industrial heat and powering data centers.

What major nuclear project was commissioned in 2025, and why is it significant?

In 2025, the 1,600 MW Flamanville 3 EPR was connected to the grid. Its commissioning is significant because it marks a tangible shift from planning to implementation and provides crucial experience and confidence for the subsequent EPR 2 construction program.

Beyond powering homes and businesses, what new markets are France’s SMRs targeting?

The new SMRs are targeting high-value, power-intensive markets. A key example is the “Nuclear for AI and Data Centers Initiative,” which aims to provide dedicated carbon-free electricity. Other SMRs, like those from Jimmy Energy and Blue Capsule, are specifically designed to provide high-temperature heat for decarbonizing heavy industry.

Is France’s nuclear revival led only by state-owned EDF?

No. While state-owned EDF is leading the large-scale EPR projects, the strategy has also created a vibrant innovation hub for private companies. The article notes that several private SMR developers, including Newcleo, Stellaria, and Jimmy Energy, have advanced their reactor plans with the French Nuclear Safety Authority, indicating a strong public-private partnership.

What types of advanced ‘Generation IV’ reactor technologies are being developed in France?

France is investing in several innovative Generation IV designs. The projects mentioned include Newcleo’s Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR), Blue Capsule’s Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR), and Molten Salt Reactors (MSR) from both Stellaria and Thorizon. These advanced concepts are moving from theory into the regulatory validation phase.

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