Macron Champions Nuclear Energy at Penly Site, Announces Financing via Livret A

On March 12, 2026, President Emmanuel Macron visited the construction site of the new EPR2 nuclear reactors at the Penly nuclear plant in Seine-Maritime, reaffirming the vital role of nuclear energy for France's competitiveness, sovereignty, and climate objectives. Macron described the project as the "chantier du siècle" or "project of the century," underscoring its significance in revitalizing the nation's nuclear ambitions and energy independence.

During the fifth Nuclear Policy Council, Macron highlighted a European resurgence in nuclear interest, contrasting the current consensus with past skepticism following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. He emphasized, "We will not win the battle for climate, competitiveness, and sovereignty without nuclear power," signifying a firm commitment to nuclear energy's role in France's future.

As part of this renewed nuclear plan, the French government aims to construct at least six new reactors, with key investment decisions expected by the end of 2026, especially from the state-controlled utility EDF. Macron pledged to honor the legacy of previous generations by ensuring energy security for future ones, stating, "With this project of the century, we will do for our children what our parents did for us in the 1970s and 1980s."

Crucially, the government revealed a novel financing strategy involving the Livret A savings account to partially fund the EPR2 program. This approach will include a state-backed loan covering 60% of the costs, facilitated through the Caisse des dépôts, demonstrating strategic use of public savings to support energy infrastructure.

This announcement marks a defining moment for France's energy roadmap, linking historic nuclear development with modern financing mechanisms to secure energy sovereignty and climate goals in the decades ahead.