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A cost effective reactor

3D representation of a general view of the EPR™

The next generation of nuclear power plants will have to demonstrate its competitiveness also in deregulated electricity markets. markets.

Thanks to an early focus on economic performance during its design process, the EPR™ technology offers significantly reduced power generation costs, about 20% lower than those of large combined-cycle gas plants.

Economic competitiveness

This high level of competitiveness is achieved through:

  • high power (1,650 MWe) providing an attractive cost of the installed kWe.
  • a 36-37% electrical efficiency depending on site conditions; the highest ever for light water reactors. 
  • an enhanced and more flexible fuel utilization, allowing long irradiation cycles (up to 24 months).
  • a design for a 60-year service life.
  • a design target availability equal to or greater than 92%.
  • lower operation and maintenance costs, due to :
    • possible access to the reactor building during power operation for preparatory outage work,
    • in-service maintenance thanks to the 4-train concept of the safeguard systems, 
    • faster cool down,depressurization and vessel head opening phases.

Thus the EPR™ design offers significantly reduced power generation costs, about 20% lower than those of large combined-cycle gas plants.