France plans to build at least six nuclear reactors, and possibly another eight, under the latest national low carbon strategy unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month. The strategy is designed to eventually replace fossil fuels like natural gas with nuclear and renewables to achieve the country’s 2050 net zero target. 

Six European Pressurized Reactors (EPR) at a cost of 50 billion euros are to be built at existing sites by state-owned utility Électricité de France (EDF), which operates all of France’s nuclear reactors. Construction is slated to begin in 2028, with the first set to start service in 2035. The goal is to produce 25 GW by 2050. A study to build another eight reactors is planned, Macron said.

“Even 14 new nuclear reactors will not be enough...