Arabelle Solutions: a new plant dedicated to the turbine island of EPR2 reactors

In Chalon-sur-Saône, Arabelle Solutions will build a plant dedicated to the thermal exchangers of EPR2 reactors. A targeted industrial investment, at the heart of the ramp-up of the French nuclear programme.

The EDF subsidiary Arabelle Solutions announces the construction of a new plant in Chalon-sur-Saône, dedicated to the manufacturing of major equipment for the turbine hall of future EPR2 reactors. Behind this investment of nearly €100 million, the objective of rebuilding a complete industrial supply chain, sized for serial nuclear production, clearly emerges.

In operation from 2030

The future site, of around 20,000 m², is expected to enter into service by 2030, with construction scheduled to start in 2027. It will enable the annual production of the thermal exchange equipment required for a complete power plant, in a logic of industrial pace aligned with the EPR2 programme (6 firm reactors and up to 8 additional units).

The announced specifications reflect the scale of the industrial challenge. These are thermal exchangers weighing between 120 and 370 tonnes, with lengths ranging from 15 to 25 metres. “The plant […] will have a production capacity allowing it to supply, each year, all of this equipment for one nuclear power plant,” EDF stated in a press release published on 26 April.

An industrial tool sized for series production

“Producing these thermal exchangers within an internal industrial facility, in France, constitutes a decisive lever for sovereignty and industrial robustness,” said EDF CEO Bernard Fontana on LinkedIn. For her part, Minister Delegate for Energy Maud Bregeon told AFP: “Nuclear power is the pillar of our energy sovereignty. It is also an industry and a sector of excellence rooted in our territories, which is a source of pride internationally.”

The investment in Chalon-sur-Saône complements Arabelle’s announcements for its Belfort site last January. EDF had then announced an investment plan of €350 million by 2029 for the creation of new facilities with a total surface area of 20,000 m², including a 10,000 m² plant. The objective is to double the activity of the turbine manufacturer, in order to be able to supply at least two EPR2 units per year, or an equivalent volume.

Supporting the EPR2 programme

Such ambitions are part of the EPR2 programme, for which the final investment decision for an initial tranche of six units to be built in pairs by 2050 is expected by the end of the year, following an inquiry by the European Commission. Subsequently, a decision could quickly be taken to launch the construction of eight additional EPR2 units. This would secure long-term nuclear electricity supply, while generating significant gains in timelines and costs thanks to the series effect. ■