Flamanville 3 has finally joined the ranks of France’s nuclear power fleet, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s energy landscape. After a staggering delay of over a decade, this colossal 1,600-MW EPR reactor in Normandy began supplying electricity to the grid on December 21, 2024. The journey to this moment has been fraught with technical challenges, cost overruns, and unanticipated setbacks, but now it stands as the most powerful generating unit in France.
Luc Remont, CEO of Électricité de France (EDF), heralded the startup as a “historic” event, noting that the last reactor to come online was Civaux 2, which started up a quarter-century ago. France has long relied heavily on nuclear power, with approximately 62% of its electricity generated from nearly 60 operable reactors. Yet, the Flamanville saga underscores the complexities of nuclear energy development, particularly in a country that has staked its energy future on this technology.
The financial implications of Flamanville 3 are staggering. The project ballooned from an initial estimate of 3.3 billion euros to a jaw-dropping 13.2 billion euros, raising eyebrows and questions about the viability of future nuclear projects. This cost escalation isn’t just a blip; it reflects broader concerns about the nuclear sector’s ability to deliver on time and within budget. As President Emmanuel Macron lauded the reactor as a “great moment for the country,” he also emphasized the need for France to re-industrialize and produce low-carbon energy. But will the public remain supportive if the costs continue to spiral?
Macron’s government has already ordered six EPR2 reactors, a simplified version of the EPR design, aimed at easing some of the development headaches experienced with Flamanville 3. There’s talk of adding eight more units, which could signal a renewed commitment to nuclear energy in a world increasingly focused on low-carbon alternatives. However, the question looms large: can France learn from the Flamanville experience to ensure that future projects don’t end up mired in the same quagmire?
The global context also cannot be ignored. The first EPR reactor began commercial operation in China in 2018, and two others are currently operational. The delayed commissioning of Flamanville 3 could raise eyebrows internationally, potentially impacting France’s standing as a leader in nuclear technology.
As the energy transition accelerates, the successful operation of Flamanville 3 may serve as a bellwether for the future of nuclear energy in Europe and beyond. It could either reinvigorate confidence in nuclear power as a cornerstone of low-carbon energy production or serve as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of ambitious energy projects. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this endeavor could shape the trajectory of nuclear energy for years to come.
