The EU opens investigation into France’s 10 GW nuclear project

The European Commission (EC) has initiated an in-depth investigation to determine whether the public support that France intends to grant for the construction and operation of six new nuclear reactors complies with EU State aid rules (EC press release, 31/03/2026).

In November 2025, France notified the Commission of its plan to support the construction and operation of six new nuclear reactors with a total electricity generation capacity of 10 GW. The six new reactors will be constructed in pairs at existing nuclear power plant sites, namely Penly, Gravelines, and Bugey. The new units, rated 1,660 MW each, are scheduled to be commissioned between 2038 and 2044, with an expected operational lifetime of 60 years each. The total construction costs are currently estimated at EUR73bn.

France plans to support this project through three measures:
• a subsidised loan at a preferential rate, covering 60% of the estimated construction costs;
• a two-way contract for difference (CfD) lasting 40 years to ensure stable revenues for the plants;
• a risk-sharing mechanism covering a specific list of events, designed to provide protection against risks beyond EDF’s control, such as unforeseeable natural disasters and changes in national law.

The Commission considers it necessary to assess whether the measure fully complies with EU State aid rules. It intends to examine issues such as the proportionality of the aid package, its impact on market competition, whether the measure will strengthen EDF’s position in the power market, and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure it does not lead to market distortions.

In France, nuclear power is the primary source of electricity, representing 2/3 of total national generation. EDF operates 57 reactors across 19 power plants nationwide, with a total installed capacity of 61 GW.