France, April 1 -- The new estimated cost replaces a €25 billion figure set in 2016. It reflects updated costs and sits within a €26.1 to €37.5bn range set in May 2025 by the National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management, which is leading the project.

The government order, signed by Economy Minister Roland Lescure and Energy Minister Maud Bregeon, covers the entire lifespan of the site - from design and construction to operation and closure - over 151 years.

It puts the initial construction cost at €9.74 billion. Taxes linked to the project are estimated at €3.66 billion.

The revised estimate will be used as a reference by EDF, Orano and the Atomic Energy Commission, the three nuclear operators that fun...