The French nuclear industry in a nutshell
France has one of the most developed civilian nuclear programs and industries in the world. As of 2025, nuclear power accounts for ±68% of France’s electricity production, making it the backbone of its national energy mix. The sector is characterized by a solid industry base, a strong regulatory framework, and a high level of public and private technical expertise.
France’s nuclear sector is currently entering a new growth phase, driven by climate policy, energy sovereignty, and industrial ambitions, all the while facing an aging reactor fleet requiring heavy investments.
Recent developments and dynamics
- Ambitious National Strategy: The French nuclear industry is based on four pillars: diversifying uses, reducing the volume and radioactivity of waste from nuclear facilities, increasing strategic autonomy through multi-recycling of nuclear materials, and improving nuclear safety and security.
- Evolutionary Power Reactor 2 (EPR2): To ensure energy autonomy and decarbonization goals, France has announced an ambition nuclear plan with the construction of six new EPR2 reactors by 2050, with options for eight more.
- Small modular reactor (SMR) strategy: EDF, France’s national energy company and one of the world’s largest energy companies, is developing its own Small Modular Reactor NUWARD, with expected industrial deployment targeted for the early 2030s. French startup Hexana is developing modular and flexible Gen IV nuclear systems, working actively with the norwegian industry.
- Public Investment: The France 2030 plan allocates 500M euros to support nuclear innovation, especially within SMRs and advanced reactors.
The current nuclear “revival” and reindustrialization will provide opportunities for foreign industrials where domestic French capabilities are limited or where foreign expertise is strategic, such as critical raw materials (securing materials and supply chain), technology components (simulation, instrumentation & control systems, robotics and automation,…), reactor parts and engineering services (designs and parts), decommissioning and waste management technologies, as well as R&D collaboration.
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CS
Christophe Slim
Senior Advisor, Green Maritime
Paris, France
MR
Marc Rousselet
Investment Manager
Paris