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4 clusters · 49 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Gravelines nuclear plant EPR2 site preparation

Overview

The French government has granted environmental authorization to the state-owned energy company EDF to begin preparatory works for two new EPR2 nuclear reactors at the Gravelines nuclear power plant in the Nord department. Authorized activities include site servicing, earthworks, ground reinforcement, and the creation of a watertight enclosure to address soil stability on the polder site. These reactors, each with a capacity of 1,600 MW, are part of a broader national investment program. Construction at Gravelines is projected to begin in late 2026, with an estimated cost of 16.9 billion euros. The project is expected to employ up to 8,000 workers at its peak and create 1,200 permanent operational jobs, with a target commissioning date around 2038-2039.

In August 2026, the facility experienced significant operational disruptions caused by a massive influx of jellyfish. More than 200 tonnes of jellyfish clogged the seawater pumping station’s filtration systems. To ensure plant safety, EDF shut down reactors 3 and 6 preventatively, while reactors 1 and 2 were forced to operate at reduced capacity. Other units remained offline due to earlier incidents in the month or scheduled maintenance.

EDF deployed seven boats, supported by the organization France Pêche Durable, to relocate the jellyfish to deeper waters. The company stated there is “no risk to the electrical grid” or overall plant safety. While similar phenomena occurred in August 2025, the increasing frequency and concentration of these blooms have raised questions regarding climate change and infrastructure resilience.

Entities

EDF · Gravelines nuclear power plant · France · Monique Barbut · France Pêche Durable

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    France selects sites for EPR2 nuclear reactor expansion

    France is selecting sites for its EPR2 nuclear reactor expansion. The program involves massive investments, including a 16.9 billion euro project in Gravelines set to begin construction in late 2026.

  2. 15 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 30 sources
    Gravelines nuclear plant shuts reactors due to jellyfish swarm

    Massive jellyfish swarms totaling over 200 tons have forced the Gravelines nuclear plant in France to shut down or reduce power for several reactors to protect seawater filtration systems.

  3. 18 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    France approves site preparation for new Graveline nuclear reactors

    The French government has authorized EDF to begin site preparation for two new 1,600 MW EPR2 nuclear reactors at the Graveline power plant.

  4. 21 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 15 sources
    Gravelines nuclear plant receives authorization for EPR2 reactor site preparation

    France has authorized EDF to begin preparatory work for two new EPR2 nuclear reactors at the Gravelines plant, including site servicing and infrastructure development, though final reactor construction is not Y

Sources

ad-hoc-news.de · allgaeuer-zeitung.de · amica.de · bienpublic.com · de.euronews.com · echosplus.com · economica.net · economiematin.fr · energiesmedia.com · energijabalkana.net · entrevue.fr · es.euronews.com · estrepublicain.fr · euronews.com · fehmarn24.de · fjala.al · fr.euronews.com · g4media.ro · g7.hu · generation-nt.com · hna.de · hu.euronews.com · information.tv5monde.com · kreiszeitung.de · lejsl.com · lemondedelenergie.com · leprogres.fr · lyonmag.com · magazin.hrt.hr · merkur.de · n1info.hr · newsfeed.zeit.de · nra.lv · onetz.de · op-online.de · orleans.aujourdhui.fr · otvoreno.me · pt.euronews.com · republicain-lorrain.fr · respublika.lt · revueconflits.com · saarbruecker-zeitung.de · stiripesurse.ro · tr.euronews.com · tz-online.de · vijesti.me · visimag.com · vosgesmatin.fr

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history