EDF connects Flamanville 3 nuclear reactor to France’s power grid

EDF has integrated the Flamanville 3 nuclear reactor into France’s national power grid, marking the first expansion of the country’s nuclear network in 25 years. 

The reactor was connected on 21 December 2024, producing 100MW of electricity. With a capacity of 1.6GW, Flamanville 3 is France’s largest nuclear reactor and one of the most powerful worldwide.

The reactor, located in Normandy, joins similar reactors in China and Finland. The project experienced a 12-year delay, with costs rising to €13bn ($13.5bn), four times the original budget, according to Reuters. 

EDF CEO Luc Rémont called the reactor’s connection a historic moment for the nuclear sector.

Flamanville 3 will undergo further testing before full operations, with a projected electricity output of 14TWh before its first maintenance shutdown. EDF also plans to build six more reactors as part of France’s energy transition strategy.