Cordemais: Coal to and in 2027, nuclear to take its place

The EDF site in Cordemais (Loire-Atlantique), one of the last two coal-fired power plants still operating in mainland France alongside Saint-Avold (Moselle), will permanently cease production on March 31, 2027. EDF has confirmed its intention to maintain industrial activity on-site by converting the facility to serve the nuclear sector, through the construction of a prefabrication plant for piping systems used in future EPR2 reactors.

A strategic shift for the site

This decision comes in response to two main factors: first, the implementation of the 2019 Energy-Climate Law, which mandates a coal phase-out to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050; second, the discontinuation of the Ecocombust project announced as early as September 2024. The Ecocombust project aimed to convert the plant to biomass, but “the technical and economic conditions for the proposed projects were not met,” EDF stated in a press release.

To ensure an industrial future for the site, EDF, through its subsidiary Framatome, has initiated studies to establish a facility dedicated to the manufacture of piping for the secondary circuit of future EPR2 reactors. The conversion plan, submitted to the relevant authorities in 2025, was approved following consultation with EDF’s Central Social and Economic Committee.

A structured industrial timeline

Coal units 4 and 5 at the Cordemais plant will be permanently shut down on March 31, 2027. Until then, teams will continue operations while preparing for decommissioning. Meanwhile, construction of the new plant is scheduled to begin in 2026, with industrial commissioning expected by the end of 2028.

The manufacturing unit could ultimately employ up to 200 workers and will contribute to scaling up the French nuclear industry under the EPR2 program. This project aligns with recent government announcements on nuclear energy revival and will allow EDF to leverage existing local expertise while supporting the reindustrialization of the region.

A socially responsible transition

EDF has pledged to manage the closure “responsibly,” by providing individual support to employees in their career transitions. The Cordemais site currently employs around 350 staff members. ■