In November 2025, France presented to the European Commission a plan to support the construction and operation of six new nuclear reactors, with a total capacity of 9,990 MW. The new units will be built in pairs at existing nuclear power plant sites – Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey – with commissioning planned between 2038 and 2044 and an expected operational lifespan of 60 years. The total project cost is currently estimated at 72.8 billion eruos.
The project aims to increase the security of electricity supply in France and neighboring countries, as well as to contribute to the EU’s decarbonization goals. Under EU Treaties, Member States have the right to determine their own energy mix, and accordingly, France has opted, within its national energy policy, for a stronger development of nuclear energy.
The European Commission, however, has opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the planned public support complies with EU State aid rules. This is a standard procedure for complex aid packages, allowing France and interested third parties to submit comments.
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France plans to support the project through a subsidized loan covering 60 percent of the investment, a 40-year two-way contract for difference, and a risk-sharing mechanism for unforeseen circumstances, with the support directed to Électricité de France S.A. (EDF), the state-owned energy company and operator of France’s nuclear fleet.
Although the European Commission’s preliminary assessment recognizes the importance of the project for supply security and decarbonization, the investigation will determine whether the aid package is proportionate, whether it distorts competition – particularly by potentially strengthening EDF’s market position – and whether it is fully compliant with EU rules.
The outcome of the investigation will show to what extent Member States can use public funds for large nuclear projects in accordance with EU electricity market rules.
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