The Flamanville EPR reactor in northwestern France has reached full nuclear power for the first time, EDF announced (EDF press release, 14/12/2025). Flamanville 3, the first new nuclear reactor to start up in France in 25 years, was connected to the national grid in December 2024, 12 years later than originally planned.
The ramp-up to 100% nuclear thermal power followed approval from the French nuclear safety and radiation protection authority (ASN) on 12 December 2025, allowing the reactor to exceed the 80% threshold, according to EDF.
“Over the coming weeks, and as part of the start-up program, the reactor’s power will vary to continue testing at different levels, and operations will be carried out on an internal electrical substation,” the company said.
Flamanville 3 is now the most powerful unit in France’s nuclear fleet, with a capacity of 1.65 GW. In 2024, nuclear power accounted for 67% of the country’s total electricity production (Enerdata, Global Energy Research).
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