France’s Energy Strategy Could Create Power For A Millenium

PARIS – As one of the world’s nuclear power pioneers, France has long recognized the potential of fast neutron reactors. The country already possesses enough nuclear fuel reserves to meet its energy needs for thousands of years—far beyond the supply of conventional uranium resources.

However, despite decades of research and promising advancements, France had slowed its focus on fast reactor technology in recent years. This new partnership signals a major return to the forefront of innovation, positioning France and Japan as leaders in the next era of nuclear power.

A Game-Changing French-Japanese Partnership

This collaboration is set to develop a 600 MWe reactor, drawing on existing technology already tested in France. In return, Japan will benefit from Framatome’s expertise in designing and operating Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (RNR-Na).

According to François Billot, Executive Vice President at Framatome, “This partnership allows us to share decades of knowledge and innovation with our Japanese colleagues, ensuring that nuclear energy remains at the cutting edge of technological advancement.”

Beyond building a single prototype, this partnership lays the foundation for long-term innovation, ensuring that both countries stay at the forefront of nuclear sustainability.

What Makes Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors So Revolutionary?

Unlike traditional reactors, which rely on moderators to slow neutrons, fast reactors maintain a nuclear chain reaction using fast neutrons. This key difference dramatically improves fuel efficiency and expands the types of fuel that can be used—including depleted uranium and plutonium.

One of the most significant advantages of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (RNR-Na) is their ability to burn nuclear waste, reducing both radioactive toxicity and waste volume. This technology could solve one of the biggest challenges facing nuclear power: long-term waste storage.