EPR2 Program
Design, manufacture and commission the next nuclear steam supply system that will contribute to the renewal of France’s nuclear fleet
The EPR2 reactor is an optimized and industrialized version of the EPR technology, which integrates experience feedback from EPR work sitse around the world and the operating nuclear fleet. It is based on standardization, with a simplified design, and a pair construction allowing, thanks to the series effect and replication, to reduce costs.
The sites selected to host the first 3 pairs of EPR2 are Penly (Normandie), Gravelines (Hauts-de-France) and Bugey (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes).
A unique design for 6 reactors: 1 design and 6 continuous manufacturing
Framatome is in charge of designing, manufacturing, installing and commissioning the primary loop of the nuclear reactors (the nuclear steam supply system) as well as the instrumentation and safety control-command system for EPR2, namely:
- 6 reactor pressure vessel,
- 24 steam generators,
- 24 reactor coolant pumps + 1 spare,
- 6 pressurizers
- 6 sets of main coulant lines for the primary circuit,
- 534 control rod drive mechanisms,
- 6 nuclear instrumentation and safety control-command systems.
To meet the needs of new nuclear power, Framatome is increasing its production capacity by improving quality, strengthening its skills and investing in its industrial facilities.
Model of an EPR2 Reactor
Framatome expertises
The Key Milestones of the EPR2 Program
Since 2011
EDF and Framatome have been taking steps to optimize the EPR2 based on experience feedback.
2017
At the end of 2017
After an investigation phase by the french nuclear safety and radiation protection authority (formerly ASN) into the planned developments, EDF validated a technical configuration that it proposes to retain in order to prepare for the partial renewal of the french nuclear fleet.
2018-2021 period
The 2018-2021 period is focused on preparing to implement a 3-pair program of EPR2. The main issues are the complete derestriction of the technical configuration, including in particular the production of the preliminary safety report, and the launch of the EPR2 tenders.
- November 2018: announcement by Emmanuel Macron, french President, on the construction of new civil nuclear reactors in France.
- October 2019: publication of the Folz report which analyzes the feedback on technical, regulatory and human experience from the construction of the Flamanville EPR.
- 2021: design choice and option files for the design of the EPR2 nuclear steam supply system.
- July 2021: launch of the manufacturing of the first technical qualification component of the EPR2 program (steam generator).
2022
February
- Belfort speech by Emmanuel Macron, french President, which officializes the construction of the first 6 EPR2 type reactors.
July
- Manufacturing of the first forgings to provide the components necessary for the assembly of steam generators and reactor pressure vessels.
2024
April
- Signature of contract NM4101 between EDF and Framatome, and the associated investment agreement.
May
- Launch of serial production for steam generators.
November
- Launch of serial production for the reactor pressure vessels.
2025
July
- Launch of serial production for reactor coolant pumps.
October
- Start of manufacturing of the fourth EPR2 steam generator at Saint-Marcel, which is now simultaneously assembling the four steam generators that will equip the first EPR2 reactor at Penly.
Reception at the Le Creusot plant of the ingot that will form a cold leg of the EPR2 ©Framatome, February 2025
EPR2 bent cold leg being machined at the Le Creusot plant ©Framatome, October 2025
Preheating operation of the nozzle shell of the first EPR2 reactor vessel at the Saint-Marcel plant ©Framatome, August 2025
Conical shell section of the first EPR2 steam generator on its welding station at Saint-Marcel ©Framatome, September 2025