Welcome to the nuclear world

R&D EXPERIENCE

Nuclear power, alongside renewable energy, is a major asset in the energy transition. The role of R&D is to innovate to help make it ever safer, more competitive and more flexible for a carbon-neutral future.

R&D and Nuclear Power
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R&D and Nuclear Power

EDF R&D develops research programmes to ensure that the current nuclear fleet remains safe and efficient.

It also works on the construction of tomorrow’s nuclear power plants.

The research conducted aims to:

  • extend the operation of our existing power plants;
  • improve the performance and safety of the current fleet;
  • digitalise methods and tools;
  • protect the environment and biodiversity;
  • anticipate the effects of climate change;
  • develop the nuclear power of tomorrow.
Spotlight on key projects
The digital reactor and digital twins

Innovative tools based on 3D digital modelling of physical phenomena, powered by data from the real system. They make it possible to simulate different operating scenarios, accelerate time to predict the future state of the real system, and optimise its design.

R&D expertise in materials, their properties and service life, including their replacement, supported by state-of-the-art testing facilities.

The NUWARDTM SMR

Born within R&D, it is a new type of modular reactor designed to meet the growing needs of the global low-carbon electricity market.

Thanks to its expertise, state-of-the-art laboratories and numerous industrial partnerships, EDF R&D is a key player in enabling the EDF Group to continue generating safe, high-performance and low-carbon electricity.

Find out more at edf.fr/recherche

Three important things to remember

  • 7

    research programmes to contribute to the continuous improvement of EDF’s low CO2 emission nuclear industry and to prepare for future intensive electricity production.

  • 60

    years old, the theoretical age of the 1/3 scale model representing a double-wall containment, VERCORS, which makes it the oldest in France.

  • 15,000

    people working in nuclear research and development throughout Europe.

Continue exploring the nuclear power landscape

To find out more

Nuclear at the heart of the energy mix

How can we balance electricity production and electricity consumption at all times?

Find the answer in this article

The Scientific Challenges of Nuclear Power

Research for nuclear power reactors.

Get the book from librairiejle.com nouvel onglet

Explore EDF R&D’s research areas and laboratories