Signing of the Strategic Contract for the Nuclear Sector : A decisive Step for the industrial Revival

Signing of the Strategic Contract for the Nuclear Sector : A decisive Step for the industrial Revival

On June 10, 2025, the French nuclear industry reached a major milestone with the official signing of its strategic sector contract. This foundational document was signed in Paris by all key institutional and industrial stakeholders in the sector: the Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, E. Lombard; the Minister of Energy and Industry, M. Ferracci; major groups (EDF, Orano, CEA, Framatome, ANDRA); and trade unions, under the aegis of the Strategic Committee of the Nuclear Sector (CSFN), which ensures its implementation.

Since the Belfort speech delivered in 2022 by President Emmanuel Macron, which announced the revival of nuclear energy as one of the cornerstones of France's energy strategy, there had been no common framework to coordinate the various stakeholders. Today, the contract sets out a shared vision for 2028 and outlines the main elements of the sector’s roadmap.

“This contract is a commitment that binds us all collectively. It is a pact of action and trust.”

Xavier Ursat, President of the Strategic Committee of the Nuclear Sector

A Concrete Response to Major Industrial, Energy, and Climate Challenge

The strategic contract aims to mobilize the entire nuclear sector around key structuring projects. It is driven by three main objectives: energy and industrial sovereignty, European competitiveness, and a low-carbon energy transition.

In this context, the main upcoming initiatives include :

• The construction of six EPR2 (new-generation European Pressurised Reactors) and the renewal of fuel cycle facilities
• Extending the lifespan of the existing nuclear fleet and industrial plants
• Strengthening R&D and developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Advancing fuel cycle technologies and achieving full fuel cycle closure
• Dismantling old nuclear facilities and managing nuclear materials and radioactive waste

"Nuclear energy represents the project of the century in France."

Marc Ferracci, Minister of Industry and Energy

A Roadmap Built Around Four Strategic Pillars

The strategic contract serves both as an overview of the nuclear sector and a concrete action plan. It is structured around four key strategic priorities:

• Industrial Performance: Optimize the sector’s ability to build facilities on time, within budget, and in line with quality standards. This includes modernizing production tools and securing the reliability of the supply chain.
• Skills and Employment: Meet the human resources challenge with a goal of 10,000 new hires per year. This involves initial training, apprenticeships, career transitions, and the implementation of talent attraction and mobilization initiatives across local regions.
• Innovation and Future Technologies: Accelerate research and development in strategic areas, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), next-generation reactors, the digital transformation of the sector, and advanced fuel cycle management.
• Energy Transition: Establish nuclear power as a cornerstone of French and European climate strategies by ensuring low-carbon, reliable, and competitive electricity production. Implement policies for energy efficiency and biodiversity protection within the sector.

The CSFN: At the Heart of the Transformation, Through Collective Dialogue

The Nuclear Industry Strategic Committee (CSFN) will oversee the implementation of this contract, working closely with government departments and all stakeholders. Its mission is to coordinate efforts, support priority projects, monitor progress, and adapt actions to the needs of both the sector and the regions. The CSFN will collaborate with key partner organizations, including GIFEN, Nuclear Valley, and Régions de France.

The signing of this strategic contract represents a foundational milestone in providing long-term structure and visibility to the French nuclear industry, establishing it as a key driver of energy and industrial transformation at both national and European levels.

“This contract marks a strategic step in structuring, strengthening, and projecting the French nuclear industry over the long term, in line with the Belfort speech.”

Maria Faury, Permanent Delegate of the Nuclear Sector

Pictures: Alexis Jumeau/ABACA