Nuclear: EDF May Entrust €10 Billion in Civil Engineering of EPR2 to a Consortium of Five Construction Companies, Including Vinci, Eiffage, and Bouygues
EDF is preparing a major shift in the management of civil engineering for its future reactors. According to Les Échos, a consortium comprising Bouygues, Eiffage, Vinci, NGE, and Fayat has been preselected for the foundation and building works of the six planned EPR2 reactors.
A French Consortium for the Civil Engineering of EPR2
EDF is considering entrusting the entire civil engineering of the six future EPR2 reactors to an unprecedented consortium of five major French construction and public works players: Bouygues, Eiffage, Vinci, NGE, and Fayat. According to the daily Les Échos, these groups have been preselected and could submit their proposal to EDF by the end of the summer. The contract would cover the foundations and secure buildings of the three pairs of EPR2 reactors planned. No signature has taken place at this stage.
A Market Estimated at 10 Billion Euros
The major construction work of the future reactors is estimated at about €10 billion in 2020 euros. According to sources cited by Les Échos, the joint project could aim for a cost reduction of 20% to 30% compared to initial estimates. This approach marks a significant shift: Eiffage alone had won the civil engineering for the first two EPR2 reactors at Penly in 2023 for more than €4 billion. With this collective scheme, EDF aims to further industrialize the construction of future reactors and to duplicate construction methods from one site to another, particularly after the setbacks in Flamanville and delays observed on other major nuclear construction projects.
Regulatory Approvals Required Before a Decision by End of 2026
The program remains contingent on several crucial approvals. EDF must obtain approval from the European Commission on state aid and from the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) for the construction permit of Penly. A formal investment decision is expected by the end of 2026.
