Emmanuel Macron’s predecessor, François Hollande, had set a goal to reduce the share of nuclear power in electricity production to 50%. However, despite his efforts during his presidency, this goal was not achieved. After two terms and the closure of a power plant in 2020, the current President has shifted direction. Rather than reducing the share of electricity produced by nuclear plants, which was 64.8% in 2023, the government now plans to build six new reactors.

These new models will be a simplified version of the existing Flamanville EPR, with the first pair planned for construction in Penly by 2035, followed by pairs in Gravelines and Bugey in the following decade. However, there are already challenges related to financing these reactors. Initial cost estimates for the program were 51.7 billion euros in 2021 but have since been revised upwards to 67.4 billion euros due to factors such as inflation and material costs.

Despite these challenges, Emmanuel Macron is still determined to pursue his ambitions and plans to launch another program for the construction of eight additional EPR 2 reactors in the long term. However, resolving issues related to waste disposal and dismantling of older power plants will be crucial for the success of this future program. Despite these obstacles, France is committed to advancing its nuclear energy agenda while also considering alternative sources of energy for a sustainable future.