The Nuclear Opportunity: Has France Had It Right All Along?

France, the global leader of Nuclear adoption, has been successful in integrating the power source into their electricity supply. In fact, almost 70% of the electricity produced in France is from a nuclear source. From political frameworks to nuclear investments and safety initiatives, France has set the best example on how the energy source could be implemented effectively and safely.

Share of Nuclear energy in total electricity production by country, 2023

IEA (2025), Share of nuclear energy in total electricity generation by country, 2023, IEA, Paris

The sheer thought of nuclear energy may send shivers down people’s spines. From the disasters of Fukushima in 2011 to Chernobyl in 1986, the safety of nuclear reactors has always been a concern for the general public. In Europe, Germany has led the battle against nuclear usage. Anti-nuclear movements in Germany have been going on since the 1970s. It was decided in 2011 by the German government that a full phase-out of nuclear power would end with the last three nuclear power plants shutting down in April 2023.

Despite opposition, what is clear is the benefits that nuclear power can have on decarbonization. With its capabilities for large-scale energy production, nuclear energy can provide a reliable and stable alternative compared to fluctuating energy sources, like solar and wind power. From a carbon emissions standpoint, Nuclear emits about 12gCO2e per kWh produced in its total carbon life cycle. This is similar to that of wind power sources, and is only half of the CO2 emitted by hydropower.

The International Energy Outlook report released by the IEA in 2023 forecasts that electricity production will increase by 22% from 2022 to 2050. However, with the total renewables sector projected to increase production by 240%, the focus is deviating away from nuclear. Given its advantages, public perception and consensus should be altered to provide a more concrete pathway for the growth of nuclear power production capacity.

Currently, nuclear plays a more significant role in advanced economies, where 70% of reactors reside. However, the age of these reactors is relatively high, at an average of 36 years, compared to 18 years in emerging economies. While France is the current leader in nuclear adoption, China and Russia are catching up, with 48 of the 52 nuclear reactors constructed between 2017 and 2023 being built in either of the two countries. This indicates progress in the development of nuclear power in emerging economies and holds promise for the overall global outlook on the energy source.

What are the key factors behind France’s success?

Success of French Nuclear Power Adoption

Policy Support

• Since the French oil crisis in 1974, the country has focused on firming up their energy reliability by committing to nuclear energy.

• While there was a commitment in 2015 to reduce France’s reliance on nuclear, this action was stopped because of their vision to have nuclear as an essential part of their 2050 carbon neutrality goal

• In 2023, the country introduced the Law for the Acceleration of Procedures Linked to the Construction of New Nuclear Plants. This firmed up their commitment to modernizing and constructing nuclear facilities, including both traditional large-scale reactors (EPR 2) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Investments & Expansion

• With the operations of 57 nuclear reactors, France has successfully scaled their nuclear infrastructure and integrated it within the grid

• They are doubling down on nuclear investment in 2025, as a renewal of their old reactors is needed

• The latest plant opened in December 2024, and cost €23 billion. This is a third-generation European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) which marks the start of their modernization (the last plant being opened in 1999).

Financial Incentive Stimulation

• State-backed loans to construct new nuclear reactors are one way that the country supports the development financially. A subsidized loan to EDF this year covers at least half the construction costs of their 6 new EPR2 reactors.

• While not directly associated with the French government, EDF has also secured green loans of €5.8 billion from French banks to fund its Grand Carenage program, where they are extending the operational life of their reactors.

• To encourage nuclear energy purchases of the French public, the government originally had an ARENH mechanism that forced EDF to sell nuclear power at a fixed price of €42/Mwh to alternative suppliers to increase price competitiveness. This mechanism prevented EDF from selling power at market rates, which reached €200+/Mwh during the energy crisis in 2022

• The ARENH is switching up in 2025, as it will change to a 50-90% tax applied to revenues above a certain profit threshold. This is better for the financial attractiveness of EDF, as they can charge the market rate for their power

Excelling in Safety Standards

The Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) serves as the cornerstone of its rigorous regulatory framework and enforces stringent safety protocols.

• The ASN’s regulatory framework mandates comprehensive internal checks, real-time safety monitoring, and periodic reviews to guarantee compliance with the highest standards.

• Strict protocols for nuclear waste management govern the physical protection, safe disposal, and surveillance of nuclear materials, preventing misuse and environmental harm.

• Learning from past disasters like Fukushima, France conducts regular stress tests on reactors to assess resilience against natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, floods) and operational failures. These tests drive continuous improvements in reactor design and emergency preparedness.

Workforce Training & Expertise

Safety extends beyond infrastructure, with France investing heavily in specialized training programs to build a highly skilled nuclear workforce.

Initiatives include:

• Partnerships with technical universities to cultivate the next generation of nuclear engineers

• ASN-certified safety training for plant operators, ensuring adherence to protocols

• International collaboration (e.g., with the IAEA) to share best practices and advance global safety standards

Reinforcing Public Confidence

• Public perception of nuclear energy has been positive with 75% of the French population is in favour of nuclear energy and views the energy source as one of the country’s key assets, as it contributes to the country’s energy independence

• Educational Initiatives from the government through K-12 education as well as higher education, have increased the public’s awareness of the benefits of nuclear energy on climate change and decarbonization is growing

• Job Creation: The nuclear industry will create jobs for 27% of the 18 to 24-year-old age group

Future of Nuclear in France

France has initiated six new EPR2 projects this year. The EPR2 is a large-scale nuclear reactor, and is an enhanced version of the previous European Pressurized Reactor (EPR). Benefits of this innovation include enhanced safety standards in its operations, modular construction that simplifies the building process, and an increased lifespan from 35 years to 60 years.

In addition to the EPR2, France is also investing in small modular reactors (SMR)—with a capacity of up to 300 MW. These reactors are much safer and have reduced costs compared to the large-scale reactors. EDF and NUWARD are developing a new generation of SMRs to replace coal-fired power plants and to decarbonize the industrial sector.

Challenges

While France has been successful in scaling nuclear energy supply, the journey has been challenging. Accounting for high costs, budget overspends, and delays is essential before a project can cross the finish line.

High cost

Nuclear power plants have high capital costs given the complex engineering, regulatory hurdles, and long construction and testing processes. The EPR2 project, for which France has approved six new nuclear power plants this year, is racking up a cost of €70 billion. In addition, even extending the life of nuclear plants also incurs high capital expenses, as the EDF is spending €6 billion on extending the life of 20 of its reactors.

Long delays

Given the high safety requirements, testing and monitoring often delay the expected startup times of nuclear reactors. The EPR that commenced operations in December 2024 suffered a 12-year delay. Furthermore, the EPR2 program has already faced a 3-year delay, shortly after its first announcement.

These challenges and risks indicate that alternative energy generation systems may still need to be relied on during the long construction periods of these reactors. Nuclear energy is a long-term investment that seeks to benefit the future, and will require financial and logistical patience before it can be successfully integrated into the grid.

While every country maintains its own renewable energy strategy with different priorities for integrating new technologies into its grids, France has showcased the value of nuclear power in terms of its stability, efficiency, and scalability. Successful investments, safety measures, and public awareness have led the country to remain positive about innovation and further advancing its nuclear infrastructure to modern standards. Countries with emerging economies that are in their early stages of ensuring energy independence have the potential to start building up nuclear-based energy infrastructure as long as the right safety measures are accounted for.