One of the key players in the European energy market is France. It has a wide range of power facilities dispersed across the nation that use various energy sources, including nuclear, renewable, and fossil fuels. The location, type of energy used, capacity, and ownership of every power plant in France are listed in detail in this article. Businesses, governments, and researchers who wish to understand more about Francois’ electricity industry and make wise decisions can use this list as a valuable resource. This list of power plants should also prove to be an interesting read for anyone interested in the energy sector due to how important industrialization and modernization are in France.
All of France’s nuclear power stations are listed below.
List of all Nuclear Power Plants in France in table format
For the benefit of our readers, we have compiled a list of nuclear power plants in France in the table below:
| Powerplant Name | PowerPlant Capacity(MW) | Power Plant Location via to Latitude and Longitude | Fuel Type- Primary | Estimated Power Generation(GWH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLAYAIS | 3640 | 45.256, -0.6932 | Nuclear | N/A |
| BUGEY | 3580 | 45.7973, 5.2706 | Nuclear | N/A |
| CATTENOM | 5200 | 49.416, 6.2169 | Nuclear | N/A |
| CHINON | 3620 | 47.2254, 0.1656 | Nuclear | N/A |
| CHOOZ | 3000 | 50.09, 4.7894 | Nuclear | N/A |
| CIVAUX | 2990 | 46.4563, 0.6548 | Nuclear | N/A |
| CRUAS | 3660 | 44.6325, 4.7546 | Nuclear | N/A |
| DAMPIERRE | 3560 | 47.7321, 2.5185 | Nuclear | N/A |
| FESSENHEIM | 1760 | 47.9032, 7.5631 | Nuclear | N/A |
| FLAMANVILLE | 2660 | 49.5366, -1.8823 | Nuclear | N/A |
| GOLFECH | 2620 | 44.106, 0.8443 | Nuclear | N/A |
| GRAVELINES | 5460 | 51.0141, 2.1332 | Nuclear | N/A |
| NOGENT | 2620 | 48.5171, 3.5181 | Nuclear | N/A |
| PALUEL | 5320 | 49.8582, 0.6354 | Nuclear | N/A |
| PENLY | 2660 | 49.9764, 1.2107 | Nuclear | N/A |
CARMA, GEODB, Open Power System Data, Wiki-Solar, and WRI are information sources
Best Nuclear Power Plants in France in 2023
Below is information on the finest nuclear power plant in France:
Powerplant BELLEVILLE Reviews
A nuclear power plant called Belleville is positioned roughly at 47.5103 degrees north and 2.875 degrees east. The power plant, which can produce about 2620 megawatts of electricity, started operating in late 2620. Nuclear energy is the main fuel source of the facility. It is the second of two facilities run by Electricit de France and one of the two nuclear power plants in France that are used to generate commercial electricity.
The Belleville power plant contributes to supplying the population of France with the necessary electricity, making it a crucial component of the country’s energy infrastructure. The power plant has been running at close to full capacity since it was commissioned, readily meeting the region’s and its neighboring suburbs’ need for electricity. Additionally, the power plant aids in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, enabling France to take advantage of its extensive nuclear technology and lower atmospheric carbon emissions.
Powerplant BLAYAIS Reviews
The Blayais Nuclear Power Plant in France is situated at the geographic coordinates of 45.256 Latitude and -0.6932 Longitude and has a 3640 Megawatt capacity. It started operating in 1981 and is mostly fuelled by nuclear fuel, with some power coming from nuclear fission. The nuclear facility has been able to survive throughout time because to extensive improvement and upgrade programs that have increased operating safety and dependability. The nuclear power station was one of four that set a record operational run of 895 days in October 2017 thanks to reliable electricity supply to the grid. The first generation of nuclear reactors at Blayais have been updated to the fourth generation, making it one of the four largest nuclear power plants in the world.
The French company Areva and its subsidiary Framatome, which is also in charge of delivering contemporary technology and safety systems bid to the plant before it began operating in 1981, supply the nuclear fuel that is used to produce power in Blayais. Since carbon dioxide is one of the primary sources of energy generation without the use of greenhouse gases, reducing carbon dioxide emissions is one of the plant’s main objectives. Currently, more than 30% of the electricity produced in France comes from Blayais, making it one of the most significant and significant sources of energy for French citizens.
Powerplant BUGEY Reviews
A nuclear power facility in France is called Bugey. The power plant is situated at 45.7973 latitude and 5.2706 longitude and has a 3580 MW capacity. Nuclear energy is its main fuel. It began operations on September 4th, 1972, and generates an estimated 28,090 GWh of electricity annually.
Four pressurized water reactors, each with a separate turbine generator, as well as a number of auxiliary turbines, are found in the Bugey Nuclear Power Plant. The plant has been a substantial source of electricity for France’s national grid, and its operation has significantly reduced France’s carbon dioxide emissions. More than 1,500 workers are employed by the plant as well.
In order to prevent serious environmental harm from its operations, Bugey has also taken steps to ensure that its operations adhere to the environmental standards and laws established by the government. The factory also routinely makes investments in updating its machinery to ensure that it complies with all applicable efficiency and safety standards.
Powerplant CATTENOM Reviews
The Cattenom Nuclear Power station is a nuclear power station with a 5200 megawatt energy capacity located in Cattenom, Grand Est, France. It started operating in 1989. The plant’s coordinates are 49.416 latitude and 6.2169 longitude. Nuclear energy is the main fuel type employed in the facility. This power station, which has a 5200 MW energy output capacity, has been in operation since 1989.
The Cattenom nuclear power plant is France’s third-largest energy producer and has the capacity to meet about 5% of the country’s total electricity requirements. The plant generates around 35,800 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power each year. With an efficiency of up to 39%, it is the most potent nuclear power station in the world in terms of thermal power.
Powerplant CHINON Reviews
Chinon is a nuclear power plant with a maximum rated capacity of 3,620 MWe and an estimated annual power generation of 33.1TWh that is situated in the French community of Montjean-sur-Loire. It is the final nuclear power station in the area, having been constructed in 1987, and is located on the Loire River. It is the second-largest nuclear power plant in the nation after Flamanville. With an operational start date of 1987, its principal fuel type is Nuclear, and it is situated at a roughly latitude of 47.2254 and longitude of 0.16568. It is one of France’s older nuclear reactors, and for optimum operation, it has been routinely updated with new technology.
Electricite de France owns the Chinon Nuclear Power Plant, which is carefully regulated and inspected to guarantee that it is running effectively and safely. It has a successful track record of operation, is outfitted with cutting-edge safety features, and is intended to safeguard residents of the adjacent communities. The Chinon site has a number of ancillary structures in addition to its main powerplant, such as a research center, technical support workshops, and a research reactor.
The Loire Valley region relies heavily on the Chinon Nuclear Powerplant, which has long been a dependable source of clean electricity. It serves as a pillar of economic stability for the area by promoting local enterprises and the success of neighboring communities. The power capacity of the Chinon plant is anticipated to grow as energy demand rises, making even bigger economic contributions to the Loire Valley.
Powerplant CHOOZ Reviews
The CHOOZ power station is situated near the northern French hamlet of Chooz. The power station has a 3000 megawatt capacity and uses nuclear fuel as its main fuel source. French Electricit de France, the company’s owner and operator, opened it for business in 1995. The nuclear power plant, which spans a 50.09 km2 area close to the Belgian border, is the biggest nuclear power plant in France. The power plant’s precise latitude and longitude are 50.09 N and 4.7894 E.
One of the main sources of electricity for the nation is the CHOOZ power plant, which is anticipated to produce 5400 Gigawatt Hours (GWh) annually, or 1.6% of France’s total electricity consumption. The power plant is anticipated to be replaced in the future by either gas or renewable energy sources like wind or solar electricity. It is planned to have a lifespan of 40 years. To protect the security of both its staff and local residents, it is strictly managed, maintained, and run. It is also ISO-14001 certified for best-in-class environmental performance and undergoes routine government inspections.
Powerplant CIVAUX Reviews
A nuclear power plant called the Civaux Powerplant is situated in Civaux, France. The power station, with coordinates 46.4563 N and 0.6548 E, has a 2990 megawatt capacity. The Civaux Powerplant, which opened in 1998, runs primarily on nuclear energy. A rough estimate of the plant’s annual power output is 23,263 Terawatt-hours.
The Civaux Powerplant burns a variety of fuels, including coal, natural gas, and alternative fuels. It has a strong containment system that safely encloses the high radiation levels produced by the reactors. The plant’s operational efficiency and safety are closely monitored by a number of systems, including safety valves, audio and visual alarms, etc.
France and other European nations rely heavily on the Civaux Powerplant for their energy needs. It is a crucial component of the nation’s energy security policy and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Due to its excellent efficiency, the plant has become a pillar of France’s nuclear energy strategy and is still a significant contributor to the nation’s energy mix.
Powerplant CRUAS Reviews
A nuclear power station in France with a 3660 MW installed capacity is called CRUAS. It can be found in the respective coordinates of 44.6325 N and 4.7546 E. It has been in service since 2011 and serves as France’s main source of electricity generating. For the generation of electricity, it also uses natural gas, hydropower, and photovoltaic energy in addition to nuclear fuel.
The CRUAS’s facilities are built to operate reliably and safely while being productively and economically. Through technical advancement, use of sustainable materials, and other processes, safety and sustainability are prioritized. In order to limit waste and radiation emissions, the plant has embraced the most recent requirements. In addition to all of these efforts, the plant is strongly dedicated to improving the environment by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
With an average yearly generation of 22,000 GWh, the CRUAS power plant was able to produce an estimated 39,000 kW of electricity in the last year. With the help of its installed capacity, it has been able to meet the increasing power needs of the area while also guaranteeing a consistent supply of electricity for the area. By ensuring energy security and continuous electricity, this power plant significantly contributes to the region’s economic development.
Powerplant DAMPIERRE Reviews
A power plant called Dampierre can be found in France at coordinates 47.7321 degrees north and 2.5185 degrees east. The primary fuel type used at the power station is nuclear, and it has a 3560 Megawatt capacity. According to estimates, Dampierre started producing electricity in June 1974, and as of now, it has produced 98.5 billion kWh of electricity, which is enough to power 7.04 million households.
A significant part of France’s energy mix and a significant energy source, the nuclear power plant also aids France in mitigating the impacts of global warming and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it lessens air pollution since, in comparison to other energy sources, it produces fewer particulates. It offers an efficient, dependable, and environmentally friendly source of electricity.
Security precautions, emergency plans, and risk management strategies are all present at the Dampierre power station. The autonomous nuclear Security Regulatory Authority (ASN), which oversees activities to reduce environmental, operational, and security hazards, keeps an eye on them constantly. The power plant has also received the ENEL SAFE certification and certification as an environmentally sustainable power plant.
Powerplant FESSENHEIM Reviews
The French commune of Fessenheim, Alsace, is home to the nuclear power facility known as Fessenheim. The power station, which was put into operation in 1977 and has a 1760 megawatt capacity for electricity production, is the oldest nuclear power plant in France. A containment building and two additional units identify the power plant, which is situated at latitude 47.9032 and longitude 7.5631. The three reactor units are all pressurized water reactors of the western type using nuclear as their primary fuel. Currently, the facility produces 0.4% of the nation’s total electricity production.
The facility started operating fully in 1981 and has continued to do so ever since. It has been producing electricity at a maximum power capacity of 1760 megawatts since the very beginning. The only nuclear power station in the world with double cycle machinery that enables the recycling of radioactive fuel as of now is Fessenheim.
The plant has had a variety of unique problems over the course of its more than 40 years of operation, including problems with reliability, safety, and age-related susceptibility. As a result of these ongoing problems, its closure has been scheduled and is expected to take 15 years. However, the Fessenheim nuclear power plant continues to occupy a sizable role in France’s nuclear power portfolio in its current level of operation.
Powerplant FLAMANVILLE Reviews
The Flamanville Nuclear Power Plant is situated at latitude 49.5366 and longitude -1.8823 in the Normandy region of France. With a 2660 megawatt capacity, it is the first third-generation reactor to be built in the nation. The power plant started operating in 2006 and is anticipated to produce 17.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually. The plant’s primary source of energy is nuclear, and it is mostly powered by uranium extracted locally.
One of the biggest nuclear power plants in Europe, Flamanville was built with cutting-edge technology and to the strictest safety requirements. The facility, which is owned by lectricit de France (EDF), is situated not far from Granville and Flamanville. The Flamanville Nuclear Power Plant is a facility in the global nuclear energy sector and the first industrial nuclear power plant in the area.
Powerplant GOLFECH Reviews
One of the most important power plants in the nation is Golfech. The facility, which has a capacity of 2620MW, is situated in the southwest of France. It began operating in 1974 and uses nuclear energy. Golfech’s precise location is 44.106 North Latitude and 0.8443 East Longitude.
In the country, Golfech is recognized as a significant nuclear power station. It is powered by pressurized water reactors, which use uranium as its fuel. The majority of the nation’s electricity needs are met by this main fuel. The French energy corporation EDF runs and maintains this power plant and sells the electricity it produces to clients every year.
Golfech is a significant source of renewable energy in the country and aids in the expansion of the economy. It not only offers inexpensive and effective energy, but also aids in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environment. The plant generates an estimated 4.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) of power annually, which is sufficient to meet the needs of more than 3 million households.
Powerplant GRAVELINES Reviews
The Gravelines Power Plant is situated at 51.0141 N and 2.1332 E in northern France. With a capacity to generate more than 5460 megawatts of power, it is one of the biggest nuclear power plants in the world. The plant, which has been running eight pressurized-water reactors since it was built and is currently run by the Electricité de France (EDF), uses nuclear energy as its main fuel source.
The facility has been using electric cooling, but it just finished a lengthy project to convert three cooling towers to wet closed-cycle cooling, which is projected to increase the plant’s cooling efficiency while reducing its environmental effect. The change, which demonstrates excellent environmental sustainability, is anticipated to lower the quantity of water required for cooling by almost 93 percent and help minimize noise and pollution emissions.
With an anticipated yearly production of more than 378 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, Gravelines is one of the biggest power suppliers to the French national grid, and this conversion aids in maintaining that position. Over 2,000 permanent personnel and a sizable staffing budget are employed by the plant, which is regarded as a valuable economic asset.
Powerplant NOGENT Reviews
The 2620 MW NOGENT Power Plant is a nuclear power plant in France’s Franche-Comte area. NOGENT is located at 48.5171 North and 3.5181 East. Nuclear fuel is the main fuel type used in the operation of NOGENT, a nuclear fuel type power plant. The power plant, which could produce up to 2620MW, began operating in 2007.
Electricit de France (EDF), which operates the nuclear power plant at NOGENT, takes safeguards and safety measures against potential hazards and harms that the handling of radioactive fuel may create. As part of their dedication to sustainable and responsible energy generation, the parent business, EDF, seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the nuclear fuel process. The NOGENT factory complies with all safety and environmental regulations set forth by the European Union.
Powerplant PALUEL Reviews
Nuclear power plant PALUEL is situated at latitude 49.8582 and longitude 0.6354. It was put into service in 1953 and can produce 5320 MW in total. It ranks as France’s second-largest nuclear facility. It started producing power in December 1959 and has since grown to be a significant contributor to the country’s electrical generation.
Nuclear fuel is the main source of energy at the PALUEL nuclear power station. Because of the plant’s excellent efficiency and proven safety record, consistent energy production is guaranteed. In order to lower maintenance costs and guarantee the plant’s correct operation, it also makes use of an innovative cooling system. The plant can produce enough electricity to power more than 2 million French households, and its primary fuel is enriched uranium.
The PALUEL nuclear power station is composed of a number of buildings that house the components required for effective energy production. Additionally, it houses a number of safety measures that are intended to protect individuals who work there while ensuring consistent power output. The regulatory organizations continually examine and keep an eye on this facility’s safety requirements. Overall, the PALUEL nuclear power plant is a superb illustration of a sustainable energy source that reliably supplies electricity to France.
FAQ
Q. How many Nuclear Power Plants are operated by EDF in France?
A. 58 nuclear power stations are now run by Electricite de France (EDF) in France. Out of these, 38 plants are pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and 20 are boiling water reactors (BWRs).
Q. How much power does France generate from Nuclear energy?
A. Currently, around 70% of the electricity production in France comes from Nuclear energy. It has one of the greatest nuclear energy proportions in the entire globe.
Q. Is the CO2 emission zero in France due to Nuclear power?
A. Technically, the CO2 emissions are zero during the operation of nuclear power plants in France. But since the process of mining and enrichment of uranium for nuclear fuel releases CO2, so the overall emissions are not zero.
Q. Is Nuclear energy safe to use in France?
A. Yes, the Nuclear energy is considered safe by the French regulators, EDF and WHO. Extensive research and monitoring is in place to verify the safety standards for nuclear power in France. Use of modern technologies and safety protocols makes nuclear energy safe.
Q. Are there any limits on the number of Nuclear power plants in France?
A. Yes, a law on Energy Transition has been enacted in 2015, which has set up a limit of renewable energy as well as the Nuclear power production capacity in France. This limit depends on the state of technology, political decisions and financial resources.
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