Plans to provide an interest-free reactor development loan to EDF are reportedly being explored by the French government. According to Reuters, the loans will be earmarked for the construction of six new reactors.
The plans also reportedly include a long-term price guarantee, a so-called contract for difference (CfD).
Construction of the first of six planned reactors is due to begin in 2027 under plans set out by President Macron in 2022. However, the state-backed finance agreement would support the development and bridge any private sector investment gaps.
While any such state-support arrangement would need to be approved by the European Commission, the commission has already agreed a similar finance agreement to support the development of a new reactor at Dukovany in the Czech Republic.
