France approves site preparation for new Graveline nuclear reactors

The French government has approved preparatory works for the construction of new nuclear reactors at the Graveline nuclear power plant. This authorization allows the energy company EDF to begin site preparation for two new EPR2 reactors, each with a capacity of 1,600 MW.

Preparatory activities include site leveling, infrastructure construction, relocating a railway terminal, soil reinforcement, and the creation of waterproof barriers beneath future production blocks. The approval also includes environmental measures such as managing water, protecting biodiversity, and relocating protected plant and animal species.

This decision does not signal the start of the actual reactor construction. A final investment decision for all six planned EPR2 reactors is expected to be reached by the end of 2026.