France's Nuclear Gamble: Status, Challenges And The Road Ahead

Read a French language version of this article.

France is doubling down on nuclear energy. Once a symbol of national pride and now the backbone of its decarbonized electricity mix, nuclear power is experiencing a full-fledged renaissance in France. After years of hesitation, political consensus has crystalized around a clear ambition: to make nuclear energy the cornerstone of both climate neutrality and energy sovereignty.

With nearly 70 percent of its electricity still coming from nuclear sources, France stands out globally for its unique energy mix. While other nations have sought to phase out or limit their nuclear capacity, France is investing heavily in its expansion, most notably through the planned construction of 14 next-generation EPR2 reactors and a growing focus on innovative technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).