New EPR2 Preparation Step for Gravelines Nuclear Site in France

The French government has published the official decree authorizing energy company EDF to begin site preparation work for the second pair of next-generation EPR2 nuclear reactors planned to be built in the northern Gravelines region.

Decree Issued for the Gravelines Site

Decree No. 2026-807, published in the Official Journal of the French Republic, officially approved the environmental permit required for the establishment of new nuclear production units in the towns of Gravelines, Craywick, Loon Plage, and Bourbourg.

Nuclear Energy Drive in France

Within the scope of the nuclear energy program announced by President Emmanuel Macron in February 2022, plans include extending the lifespan of existing reactors and building six new EPR2 reactors.

Scope and Locations of the EPR2 Project

It was decided that the first six units of the EPR2, an updated pressurized water reactor design developed by EDF and Framatome, will be built at the Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey sites.

Details of Site Preparation Work

Permitted work to be carried out in the Gravelines region includes infrastructure activities such as platform maintenance, facility setup, relocation of the railway terminal, and the development of parking lots and access roads.

Environmental and Infrastructure Regulations

The approval document also covers excavation work, ground reinforcement projects, the construction of the water intake channel, and the relocation of protected plant and animal species to safe areas at appropriate times.