nuclear-news

72.8 billion euros according to EDF, 680 billion according to Greenpeace: what is the true cost of the next six nuclear reactors?

Le Figaro, By Elsa Bembaron, 08/11/2026

Subject to negotiations between France and Europe, at the heart of tensions between presidential candidates, the cost of new nuclear power is exacerbating the debate.

It was almost a year ago. Bernard Fontana, the 
CEO of EDF, unveiled the estimate  for the construction of six EPR 2 reactors in France: a
maximum of €72.8 billion . A figure that has been constantly challenged ever since. The 2027 draft budget (PLF) proposes a sum between €114 and €161.8 billion. .

Greenpeace  estimates that the cost of reviving nuclear power is between €380 and €650 billion, a figure widely adopted by La France Insoumise (LFI) and the Greens. As the presidential election approaches, anti- and pro-nuclear groups are clashing with a barrage of figures. Which ones should we consider?

They’re not all talking about the same thing. EDF expresses its estimate in 2020 euros. This is a technical choice, intended to allow comparison with initial estimates, excluding the effects of inflation. A look back is necessary to understand this choice. In May 2021, an initial estimate, described as “incomplete,” put the cost of 6 new reactors at €51.7 billion. This was………………………………………………………………………………………….. (Subscribers only – https://www.lefigaro.fr/societes/72-8-milliards-d-euros-selon-edf-680-milliards-selon-greenpeace-quel-est-le-veritable-cout-des-six-prochains-reacteurs-nucleaires-20261108

November 12, 2026 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, France