Print this pageSend to a friend ShareThis page RSS links

Nuclear power

Nuclear energy is central to the generation of the competitively-priced, safe, and CO2-emission-free electricity you need to run your home or business.
EDF group works on new nuclear projects worldwide

At EDF we have developed the next generation of nuclear reactor, the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR), to enable us to effectively respond to growing demand for cleaner electricity. The safe, efficient EPR will spearhead our international expansion efforts.

In addition to renewable energy, nuclear energy provides an efficient, sustainable source for electricity as well as a response to global warming, the depletion of fossil resources, and the continued growth in demand for electricity.

By installing unparalleled nuclear generation capacity in France, we have been able to gain globally-recognized expertise. EDF is the world's leading nuclear power utility, operating nuclear power plants with a total installed capacity of 63.1 GW.

Your safety: Our number one priority

Key facts

In 2010, the average age of our generation units in France was 26 years. We have successfully managed this young fleet without any major incidents. Over the course of many years, we have built up unparalleled skills and expertise, constantly striving to improve safety, which has always been and remains our top priority—for our customers and stakeholders alike.

Our understanding of safety extends to all of the measures – technical, human and organizational – which are implemented throughout all of the stages in a nuclear power plant’s lifetime, so that the population and the environment is protected in all circumstances against any possible release of radioactive products.  At EDF, we pay strict attention to all aspects of these measures, right from the design stage all the way through to installation. We integrate them during construction and work constantly to optimize them in their application during the operating, maintenance and dismantling phases.

The EPR - technology for the future

With this technology, the Group is also making an international commitment. This is particularly the case in the United Kingdom, where the re-purchase of British Energy has widened perspectives, and in China with the creation of a joint venture to build and exploit two EPR's.

EDF Group Nuclear Safety Policy

In 2009 EDF acquired existing nuclear companies after having built its own fleet and accumulating at the same time, vast experience at three stages:

  • designer and architect-assembler;
  • operator;
  • dismantler

Each EDF Group company had previously put in place its own safety policy. Each one, beyond compliance with national laws and regulations, has implemented long-term adapted programs to continuously improve its safety performance.The aim of EDF Group is so to encourage this attitude and to reinforce it by using all possible synergies within the Group in the framework of its common nuclear safety policy.

EDF Group Nuclear Safety Policy (format pdf522 Kb)

In 2012, EDF Group has submited the file "Nuclear Safety : our overriding priority", responding to FTSE4Good nuclear criteria.

Nuclear Safety: our overriding priority (format pdf1.2 Mb)

Taking a closer look