French Audit Criticizes EPR2 Program, Highlights Flamanville's €23.7 Billion Cost Overrun

January 14, 2025
French Audit Criticizes EPR2 Program, Highlights Flamanville's €23.7 Billion Cost Overrun
  • The Cour also advised against launching the EPR2 program until the profitability of current projects, particularly Flamanville, is fully assessed.

  • On January 14, 2025, the Cour des comptes published a critical report expressing significant doubts about the EPR2 program proposed by the French government, particularly highlighting issues with the Flamanville reactor.

  • The final cost for the Flamanville EPR has reached €23.7 billion, reflecting substantial increases due to inflation and extended construction timelines.

  • These updated figures align with the findings of the Cour des comptes in their latest report on the EPR program.

  • This increase in costs is attributed to various factors, including inflation and additional operational expenses, with construction costs alone accounting for €15.6 billion in 2023 euros.

  • The report urged the French government and EDF to address numerous uncertainties before proceeding with the construction of new nuclear reactors.

  • The Cour emphasized the need for careful consideration of its recommendations due to the long-term financial, industrial, energy, and environmental stakes involved.

  • The Cour des comptes criticized EDF for its lack of transparency regarding the profitability and production costs associated with the Flamanville EPR and future EPR2 projects.

  • However, the financial viability of the EPR2 program remains uncertain, as the funding conditions have not yet been established.

  • EDF is working to optimize the construction timeline to control expenses, as prolonged projects increase overall costs.

  • In February 2022, President Macron announced plans to construct six new generation EPR2 nuclear reactors, with an option for eight additional units.

  • Despite restructuring efforts within EDF, including nationalization and governance changes, the nuclear sector still faces many challenges that could impact the EPR2 project.

Summary based on 7 sources


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