How Many Nuclear Power Plants in France?
France is one of the world’s leading producers of nuclear energy, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from nuclear power plants. The country has a long history of nuclear energy production, dating back to the 1950s, and has a total of 58 operational nuclear reactors as of 2022.
History of Nuclear Energy in France
France’s nuclear energy program began in the 1950s, with the first nuclear reactor, Marcoule, being built in 1956. The program was driven by a desire to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil and to develop a reliable source of energy. The first commercial nuclear power plant, Fessenheim 1, was commissioned in 1959.
Nuclear Power Plants in France
France has a total of 18 operational nuclear power plants, located throughout the country. The plants are operated by the French company EDF (Électricité de France), which is responsible for generating and distributing electricity in France.
Here is a list of the 18 operational nuclear power plants in France:
- Cattenom: 4 reactors, located in the Moselle region
- Fessenheim: 2 reactors, located in the Alsace region
- Graffenstaden: 2 reactors, located in the Alsace region
- Chooz: 2 reactors, located in the Ardennes region
- Nogent: 2 reactors, located in the Marne region
- Civaux: 2 reactors, located in the Vienne region
- Tricastin: 2 reactors, located in the Drôme region
- Gravelines: 6 reactors, located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region
- Paluel: 6 reactors, located in the Seine-Maritime region
- Penly: 2 reactors, located in the Seine-Maritime region
- Fleurus: 2 reactors, located in the Hainaut region
- Doel: 1 reactor, located in the Walloon region
- Tihange: 3 reactors, located in the Wallonia region
Capacity and Generation
The 18 operational nuclear power plants in France have a total capacity of 63.2 gigawatts (GW), making them one of the largest nuclear power plant fleets in the world. In 2020, the nuclear power plants in France generated 476.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, which accounted for 72.5% of the country’s total electricity production.
Here is a table showing the capacity and generation of the nuclear power plants in France:
| Plant | Capacity (GW) | 2020 Generation (TWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Cattenom | 3.2 | 24.1 |
| Fessenheim | 1.9 | 14.3 |
| Graffenstaden | 1.6 | 12.2 |
| Chooz | 1.4 | 10.9 |
| Nogent | 1.2 | 9.3 |
| Civaux | 1.1 | 8.5 |
| Tricastin | 1.1 | 8.3 |
| Gravelines | 6.1 | 46.1 |
| Paluel | 5.7 | 43.9 |
| Penly | 1.2 | 9.5 |
| Fleurus | 1.1 | 8.4 |
| Doel | 0.8 | 6.1 |
| Tihange | 3.0 | 22.3 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, France has a significant number of nuclear power plants, with a total of 58 operational reactors and a total capacity of 63.2 gigawatts. The nuclear power plants in France are operated by EDF and generate a significant portion of the country’s electricity. France’s nuclear energy program has been a major contributor to the country’s energy independence and has played a key role in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
