Birdie has the following to say about France's plan to build additional NPPs. However, it still references Reddit, I though that had been fixed!
> What happened to France's president Macron grand plan of 2019 I think to build 7 additional nuclear power plants?
🦜 Here’s an up-to-date summary of what happened with Macron’s 2019/2022 “grand plan” to build additional nuclear power plants in France and where it stands today:
đź“Ś What Macron originally announced
-
In early 2022 (often referred to by commentators when you think of the 2019–2022 era), President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a major nuclear expansion:
• Build 6 new large reactors (EPR2) with the first expected in the mid-2030s.
• Study the possibility of 8 additional reactors (making up to 14 new reactors by 2050).
• Extend the life of existing reactors beyond 40 years if safety allows. ([euronews][1])
This was framed as a “nuclear renaissance” aimed at strengthening France’s energy independence and helping meet climate neutrality goals while replacing aging reactors. ([ans.org][2])
🛠What’s actually happened since then
Progress, but slower and smaller than the headline figures:
âś… Plans are still active:
- France is moving forward with the construction of six new EPR2 reactors at existing sites (Penly, Gravelines, Bugey). The target is for first operation around 2038 (later than initially envisaged). ([Anadolu Ajansı][3])
âś… Final investment decisions are pending:
- A framework agreement on financing between the state and EDF is being finalized and will need approval from the European Commission. ([NucNet][4])
âś… Life extension of existing plants:
- France is extending the operating life of many current reactors beyond previous limits (into their 50s and possibly longer) because this is seen as more cost-effective than building new ones. ([euronews][5])
⚠️ Challenges and delays
⏱ Timelines have slipped:
- The first new reactor target has moved from around 2035 to closer to 2038. ([Anadolu Ajansı][3])
đź’¶ Costs and readiness concerns:
- EDF and French auditors have highlighted that France is not yet fully ready — costs have risen and there are financing and industrial capacity issues that need to be resolved. ([Reddit][6])
🧪 Uncertainty over “optional” reactors:
- The 8 additional reactors beyond the first 6 remain in study/exploration phase rather than firm construction commitments. Those decisions are typically expected closer to 2026–2030, before the next presidential cycle. ([Foro Nuclear][7])
📊 So what’s the current status?
| Aspect |
Status |
| New reactors (6 planned) |
Officially on track, first units expected ~2038 |
| Optional extra reactors (up to +8) |
Still under study, no final go-ahead |
| Existing nuclear life extension |
Actively being pursued as part of strategy |
| Overall ambition vs delivery |
Still high ambition, but slower & evolving |
🧠Bottom line
President Macron did not abandon his nuclear plans — France formally adopted a program for new nuclear capacity and life extension of its fleet. However, the initial grand figure of “7+ new power plants” was actually part of a broader goal of up to 14 reactors by 2050, and that broader target has not yet become concrete orders or construction beyond the first 6. Progress is ongoing but delayed by costs, financing, and industrial challenges. ([euronews][1])
If you’d like, I can break down where each of the planned reactor sites are and what the construction timelines look like!
[1]: https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/02/11/macron-calls-for-nuclear-renaissance-to-end-the-france-s-reliance-on-fossil-fuels "Macron calls for nuclear 'renaissance' to end the France's reliance on fossil fuels | Euronews"
[2]: https://www.ans.org/news/article-3662/frances-macron-goes-nuclear "France’s Macron goes nuclear -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire"
[3]: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/france-to-build-6-new-nuclear-reactors-as-part-of-nuclear-expansion-plan/3513040 "France to build 6 new nuclear reactors as part of nuclear expansion plan"
[4]: https://www.nucnet.org/news/macron-announces-shakeup-at-edf-as-france-prepares-for-new-nuclear-3-1-2025 "Macron Announces Shakeup At EDF As France Prepares For New Nuclear"
[5]: https://fr.euronews.com/2025/11/18/france-prolonger-les-centrales-nucleaires-plus-avantageux-que-construire-de-nouveaux-react "France : prolonger les centrales nucléaires \"plus avantageux\" que construire de nouveaux réacteurs ? | Euronews"
[6]: https://www.reddit.com//r/europe/comments/1i2izeg "France 'far from ready' to build six new nuclear reactors, auditor says"
[7]: https://www.foronuclear.org/en/updates/news/the-president-of-france-announces-the-relaunch-of-nuclear-power-and-construction-of-up-to-14-new-nuclear-reactors "The President of France announces the relaunch of nuclear power and construction of up to 14 new nuclear reactors - Foro Nuclear"
