EDF signs non-exclusive partnership framework with Technip Energies for EPR2 delivery

Partnership aims to support EDF’s EPR2 execution

EDF has announced a new non-exclusive agreement with Technip Energies tied to delivery of the EPR2 reactor programme.

The arrangement provides for Technip Energies to deploy experienced personnel into key operational roles within EDF, with the focus on the project and construction management process.

EDF says the model places these personnel into integrated teams working alongside EDF’s personnel, with the intent of strengthening execution discipline and improving schedule predictability across EDF’s nuclear new-build activities.

EPR2 rollout timeline and site sequence

The broader EPR2 programme outlined in February 2022 envisages six new EPR2 reactors, with an option for a further eight.

The first three pairs are proposed to be built, in order, at the Penly, Gravelines and Bugey nuclear power plant sites.

An earlier construction and commissioning target expected construction to start in 2027 with commissioning in 2035, but the commissioning target for the first reactor at Penly is now 2038, with subsequent units following at intervals of up to 18 months.

Supply chain and long-term cooperation theme

EDF stated that the agreement establishes a common foundation for long-term cooperation, enabling both companies to combine complementary capabilities and capitalise on lessons learned from large-scale industrial projects in support of EDF’s future nuclear developments.

In EDF’s description of roles within the partnership, it said the EDF Group brings reactor engineering mastery and an efficient supply chain dedicated to building EPR2s, while Technip Energies contributes complex project management skills.

The EPR2 reactor is described as a pressurised water reactor project developed by EDF and Framatome, designed to meet general safety objectives of the third generation of reactors and to incorporate design, construction and commissioning experience feedback from the EPR reactor, as well as operating experience from nuclear reactors currently in service.