IN LONDON: The European Commission has begun an in-depth investigation to assess whether France’s plans to construct and operate six new nuclear reactors is in line with EU state aid rules.
In November 2025, France notified the commission its plans to support the construction and operation of the nuclear reactors, with a total electricity generation capacity of 9,990 megawatts.
The six reactors will be built in pairs at sites of existing nuclear power plants, namely Penly, Gravelines and Bugey. The new units are planned for commissioning between 2038 and 2044, and to have a lifetime of 60 years each. The total construction costs are estimated at €72.8 billion ($121.87 billion).
The opening of an in-depth state aid investigation is a common step when complex aid packages are involved, such as in the case at hand. The commission says it will also give France and other interested third parties the opportunity to submit comments.
At this stage, based on its preliminary assessment, the European Commission has found the project necessary and considers that the aid facilitates the development of an economic activity. The commission also recognises the potential contribution of the project to security of supply and decarbonisation.
France plans to support this project through three measures, including a subsidised loan at a preferential rate, covering 60% of the estimated construction costs, a two-contract for difference running for 40 years to provide stable revenues to the plants, and a risk-sharing mechanism with a specific list of events.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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