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French Audit Court Backs 60-Year Nuclear Life Extensions as Cheaper Than New Reactors

The finding reshapes choices on EPR2 financing by undercutting previously costed new-build options.

Overview

  • The Cour des comptes assesses extending EDF's existing reactors to 60 years at €51 per MWh in 2023 euros, describing the price as very competitive versus new capacity.
  • An earlier Cour estimate put the cost of six EPR2 units at €79.90 per MWh under 2020 conditions, and the state's chosen contract-for-difference model carries a €100 per MWh cap.
  • Auditors judge the approach profitable for EDF provided production forecasts are achieved and electricity sale prices hold.
  • Annual maintenance outlays topped €6 billion over 2014–2024, a 28% increase compared with 2006–2014, with higher effort required as plants age.
  • The report highlights persistent structural issues in maintenance management and urges EDF to keep pushing its START 2025 program to lift availability and shorten outages.