Nuclear Engineering

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Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering

Context of the nuclear industry in France

France is a long-standing player in civil nuclear power, with 56 reactors in operation (EDF, 2026) supplying over 65% of national electricity production.

The sector is characterised by:

Energy transition: Nuclear power is a pillar of the French low-carbon strategy, with objectives to extend the lifespan of power plants and develop new reactors (EPR2).
Technological innovation: Modernization of facilities, development of SMRs (Small Modular Reactors), and research into nuclear fusion (ITER project).
Industrial sovereignty: Strengthening the French industry to reduce dependencies and maintain global leadership.

Major sector challenges

Safety & Security

Compliance with ASNR standards and regulations, risk management, cybersecurity

Fuel cycle

Supply, enrichment, recycling, storage

Lifespan

Extending reactor lifespan, predictive maintenance

Waste & Recycling

Management and storage of radioactive waste

Major ongoing programs

Grand Carénage

EDF’s most significant short-term industrial program for the current fleet, aimed at renovating and modernizing the 56 reactors in service to extend their lifespan from 40 to 50, or even 60 years, with a nuclear production target of approximately 400 TWh by 2030 (compared to around 373 TWh in 2025) through improved plant availability.

LMJ (Laser Mégajoule)

A very large-scale research instrument project designed to heat and compress matter to conditions found during the operation of nuclear weapons or at the heart of stars. The LMJ is a key component of the French military program, intended to ensure the long-term viability of France’s nuclear deterrent following the definitive end of real-world nuclear testing.

RJH (Jules Horowitz Reactor)

This research reactor project led by the CEA addresses a critical scientific and technological challenge: testing the behaviour of materials and fuels under irradiation, in support of current and future nuclear reactors.

RES-NM

The RES is a reactor representative of the nuclear steam supply systems that propel the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the French Navy’s submarines. After conducting irradiation campaigns and experiments for nuclear propulsion simulation programs, the RES is undergoing a transformation phase to enable the production of tritium gas, which is essential for deterrent weapons.

Cigéo Project

Deep geological storage center for radioactive waste, currently in the technical validation phase.

Fleet renewal

The EPR2 programme (New Nuclear), the decade’s flagship project to renew baseload electricity generation capacity. The aim is to build 6 new EPR2 reactors, with the first grid connections scheduled for 2035/2037.

“France 2030” Program (SMR & AMR)

The government is supporting the emergence of a new generation of innovative reactors:

NUWARD (SMR): EDF’s small modular reactor project is entering detailed design and pre-certification phases.
Start-ups (AMRs): Several projects (Jimmy, Newcleo, Hexana, Calogena, Stellaria, Otrera, Blue Capsule) are receiving public funding to develop fourth-generation reactors (molten salt, lead, sodium) capable of recycling waste or supplying industrial heat.

Future downstream

Ensuring the long-term future of used nuclear fuel treatment and recycling. This programme has three objectives:

Extending the operating life of the La Hague reprocessing plant and the Melox plant (Gard) beyond 2040;
Creating a new used fuel treatment plant at La Hague by 2045-2050;
Building a new used fuel storage pool

ITER

Participation in the world’s largest nuclear fusion project, with contributions in critical systems engineering and the integration of advanced technologies for clean energy production.

GoMOX

Development of engineering solutions for the recycling and recovery of MOX fuels, supporting energy sovereignty and waste reduction challenges.

Our expertise across the entire life cycle

1

Mechanical design and manufacturing monitoring

2

Mechanical calculation

3

Design of tooling and special machines

4

General installation

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Automation engineering, electrical and electronics

Why choose Ametra?

Proven experience: Long-standing partner of major players (EDF, Orano, Framatome).
Integrated approach: Mastery of mechanical, electrical, and systems challenges for global solutions.
Innovation & R&D: Collaboration with the CEA, laboratories, and sector start-ups.
Quality commitment:

They trust us

Do you have a project in the nuclear sector?

Benefit from our expertise to meet your technical and regulatory challenges.