In France, new nuclear reactor went online for 1st time in 25 years - the largest for the country
French company EDF (Électricité de France) announced a major step forward for France's nuclear energy sector, revealing that the Flamanville 3 EPR reactor was successfully connected to the national electricity grid in December 2024. The reactor is the most powerful in the country, with a generation capacity of 1,650 megawatts (MW), enough to power up to two million homes.
The last time a nuclear power plant in France was connected to the grid was 25 years ago, at Civaux 2.
The connection followed months of testing and a gradual ramp-up of power, which began after the first nuclear reaction on September 3, 2024. In a press release, EDF stated that its teams adhered to a detailed protocol to ensure each stage of the process was carried out safely and efficiently, maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety and industrial reliability.
This milestone follows over 17 years of construction, during which the project faced several technical setbacks that also led to significant cost overruns. Originally estimated at $3.4 billion, the final cost of the project rose to $13.6 billion.
Luc Rémont, the CEO of EDF, commented, “The coupling of the Flamanville EPR is a significant milestone for the entire nuclear sector.” He also praised the dedication of the teams who overcame numerous challenges during construction. With Flamanville 3 now joining three other operational EPR reactors worldwide—in China and Finland—the successful integration of the Flamanville reactor marks a key step toward increasing global reliance on advanced nuclear technology.
Following this initial grid connection, EDF will continue testing and fine-tuning the reactor’s performance over the coming months. This phase includes further connections and disconnections from the grid, all carefully monitored by France’s Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN). Once completed, Flamanville 3 is expected to reach full power production, contributing an estimated 14 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity before undergoing its first scheduled maintenance and refueling.
