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EDF Replaces CEO as Pressure Mounts on France's Nuclear Revival

Bernard Fontana takes over leadership after Luc Rémont's dismissal, with EDF facing financial, technical, and political hurdles in the EPR2 reactor project.

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Luc Rémont répond aux questions du Figaro, dimanche, à Paris, deux jours après avoir été remercié par l’État.
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Overview

  • Luc Rémont was abruptly dismissed as EDF CEO on March 21, 2025, and replaced by Bernard Fontana, a nuclear industry veteran from EDF subsidiaries Framatome and Arabelle Solutions.
  • EDF is tasked with building six EPR2 nuclear reactors, with estimated costs rising from €67.4 billion to potentially €100 billion, raising concerns about financial feasibility.
  • The French government, EDF's sole shareholder, demands accelerated timelines, cost reductions, and a detailed project plan by the end of 2025 to secure political and financial stability.
  • The French Court of Auditors has criticized EDF's ability to manage large-scale nuclear projects, citing past failures like the Flamanville reactor's delays and cost overruns.
  • EDF aims to finalize the investment decision for the reactors by late 2026, ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while maintaining workforce expertise across ongoing projects.