French nuclear industry stakeholders welcome the outcomes of the fifth Nuclear Policy Council (CPN)
EDF, Framatome (an EDF subsidiary), Orano and the CEA welcome the outcomes of the Nuclear Policy Council (CPN), which met today Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the construction site of two new EPR2 reactors in Penly (France). These outcomes confirm the French State’s commitment to ensuring the long term continuity and development of the nuclear sector, with the objective of guaranteeing competitive, sovereign and low carbon electricity.
The CPN reaffirmed the importance of the programme to build six EPR2 reactors at the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey sites in France, as well as its financing principles and parameters, which are subject to approval by the European Commission. This programme represents the industrial project of the century and provides long‑term visibility for the entire sector. EDF group teams and all industrial partners are fully mobilised to deliver the EPR2 programme in accordance with the safety, security, quality, schedule and cost requirements. They are also committed to implementing the recommendations issued by the Interministerial Delegation for New Nuclear (la Délégation interministérielle au nouveau nucléaire - DINN) as part of its audit.
Furthermore, the CPN confirmed the programmes aimed at modernising and extending the operational lifetime of the reprocessing and recycling plants and the facilities for the fabrication of recycled fuels, as well as their renewal.
In this regard, Orano is pursuing the Aval du Futur programme, which will prepare the technologies, processes and infrastructures that will succeed the current La Hague and Melox facilities. The CPN has validated the main financing principles of this programme.
The CPN also reaffirmed its ambition regarding the closure of the fuel cycle. It has therefore been decided to launch a four‑year study phase to design the facilities required for closing the cycle, including a fast neutron reactor as well as the associated facilities for fuel fabrication and reprocessing. Stakeholders across the nuclear sector are fully mobilised to undertake this study, drawing on the sector’s experience with this technology. This programme will be subject to dedicated governance involving all stakeholders.
The French nuclear sector stakeholders, represented by EDF, Framatome, the CEA and Orano, share the conviction, reaffirmed by the CPN, that nuclear electricity generation is essential to France’s energy and industrial sovereignty, and ensures a long‑term supply of competitive, low‑carbon electricity.
About EDF
The EDF Group is a key player in the energy transition, as an integrated energy operator engaged in all aspects of the energy business: power generation, distribution, trading, energy sales and energy services. The Group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, with an output of 515TWh 95% decarbonised and a carbon intensity of 26.5gCO2/kWh in 2025, a diverse generation mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydropower). It is also investing in new technologies to support the energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group supplies energy and services to approximately 41 million customers (1) and generated consolidated sales of €113.3 billion in 2025.
(1) The customer portfolio consists of electricity, gas and recurring service contracts
About Framatome
Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy recognized for its innovative, digital and value-added solutions for the global nuclear fleet. With worldwide expertise and a proven track record for reliability and performance, the company designs, services and installs components, fuel, and instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. Its more than 22,000 employees work every day to help Framatome’s customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy. Visit us at: www.framatome.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (80.5%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI – 19.5%).
About Orano
As a recognized international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group’s 18,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.
About CEA
The CEA is a public research organization that supports public policy decision-making and equips French and European businesses and communities with the scientific and technological means to better navigate four major societal transitions: energy transition, digital transition, future healthcare, and national/global security. Its mission is to ensure France and Europe maintain scientific, technological, and industrial leadership, contributing to a more secure and controlled present and future for all.
Learn more at www.cea.fr/english
Press Contacts
EDF : service-de-presse@edf.fr / 01 40 42 46 37
Framatome : press@framatomemedia.com
Orano : press@orano.group / 01 34 96 12 15
CEA : aurelia.garaud@cea.fr / 06 76 27 46 11