Website: [framatome.com](https://www.framatome.com) ### Introduction Framatome, a global leader in nuclear energy, was originally founded in 1958 as a part of the French nuclear industry under various names before becoming Framatome in 2018 following a restructuring by EDF (Électricité de France). Headquartered in Courbevoie, France, with significant operations in the United States, Germany, and other regions, Framatome employs over 18,000 people worldwide. The company’s mission is to provide innovative, safe, and economical low-carbon energy solutions through the design, construction, and servicing of nuclear power plants and related technologies. Framatome focuses on supporting the global nuclear fleet with advanced components, fuel, and digital solutions to ensure cleaner and more sustainable energy production [Framatome](https://www.framatome.com/en/). Framatome operates as a subsidiary of EDF, a publicly traded company on the Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol [EDF](https://www.edf.fr/en), though Framatome itself is not independently listed. With a history spanning over six decades, the company has established itself as a cornerstone of the nuclear energy sector, contributing to electricity generation for millions of homes worldwide, including approximately 36 million in the United States alone [Framatome US](https://www.framatome.com/en/about/locations/united-states/). ### Key Products and Technology Framatome offers a wide range of products and services in the nuclear fission domain, focusing on reactor design, fuel supply, and maintenance solutions. Below are the major offerings based on the latest available information: - **EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) – Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)** - **Technical Specifications**: Designed for a power output of approximately 1,650 MWe with a 60-year operational lifespan and enhanced safety features. - **Fuel Type**: Enriched uranium oxide. - **Key Differentiators**: Incorporates advanced safety systems to withstand severe accidents, improved efficiency, and reduced waste production compared to older PWR designs. - **Development Stage**: Operational in multiple locations globally (e.g., Taishan, China) with ongoing projects like Hinkley Point C in the UK. - **Target Customers**: Large utilities and national energy providers seeking reliable baseload power. - **Nuclear Fuel Solutions – Uranium Fuel Assemblies** - **Technical Specifications**: Customized fuel designs for various reactor types, including PWR and BWR (Boiling Water Reactor), with a focus on high burn-up rates for efficiency. - **Fuel Type**: Enriched uranium oxide and, more recently, developments in High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) for advanced reactors. - **Key Differentiators**: Advanced fuel technologies for next-generation reactors, such as those for [[TerraPower]]’s Natrium reactor, with a focus on supply chain reliability. - **Development Stage**: Operational with ongoing innovations; recent breakthrough in HALEU metal production in 2025 [World Nuclear News](https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/framatome-[[TerraPower|terrapower]]-in-advanced-fuel-breakthrough). - **Target Customers**: Nuclear power plant operators and advanced reactor developers. - **Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Support Services** - **Technical Specifications**: Support for SMR designs with power outputs typically under 300 MWe, focusing on modular construction for scalability. - **Fuel Type**: Varies by SMR design, often enriched uranium. - **Key Differentiators**: Expertise in component design and fuel supply for compact, cost-effective reactors, leveraging experience with larger reactors. - **Development Stage**: Design and support phase; no proprietary SMR design but active in supporting SMR development through a $50 million facility expansion in Lynchburg, VA [WSLS News](https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/07/17/lynchburg-nuclear-company-to-host-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-with-gov-youngkin-state-leaders/). - **Target Customers**: Emerging SMR developers, utilities, and government programs. - **Instrumentation and Control Systems (I&C)** - **Technical Specifications**: Digital systems for real-time monitoring and control of nuclear reactors, ensuring operational safety and efficiency. - **Fuel Type**: Not applicable (support technology). - **Key Differentiators**: Integration of digital and cybersecurity solutions to protect against modern threats. - **Development Stage**: Operational, with continuous upgrades for existing and new reactors. - **Target Customers**: Nuclear operators and new plant projects globally. ### Regulatory and Licensing Status Framatome operates within stringent regulatory frameworks, particularly in markets like the United States, where the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees nuclear activities. The EPR reactor design, one of Framatome’s flagship technologies, received design certification from the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation for Hinkley Point C, and it is under review or adaptation in other regions. In the US, Framatome’s focus is more on fuel and component supply rather than full reactor licensing, though it collaborates with partners on licensing advanced designs. The company’s fuel technologies, including HALEU, are aligned with NRC guidelines for advanced reactor fuel cycles, though specific application statuses for new fuel types are not publicly detailed as of the latest data [NRC.gov](https://www.nrc.gov). Key regulatory milestones include the successful integration of EPR designs into operational plants and ongoing compliance with international safety standards. Upcoming milestones likely involve further approvals for HALEU fuel use in advanced reactors, with timelines tied to partners like TerraPower. Commercial deployment of new fuel technologies could occur within the next 5-10 years, depending on regulatory progress and market demand, though exact timelines remain speculative due to limited public updates. ### Team and Leadership Framatome’s leadership team comprises seasoned professionals with deep expertise in nuclear energy and engineering. Below are key figures based on the latest available information from the company’s official resources and public profiles: - **Bernard Fontana – CEO**: With a background in industrial leadership, Fontana has led Framatome since 2015, overseeing its strategic growth and innovation in nuclear energy. Previously, he held executive roles at Holcim and Aperam. - **François Gauché – Senior Executive Vice President, Fuel Business Unit**: Gauché drives the development of advanced nuclear fuels, including HALEU, leveraging his extensive experience in nuclear engineering and operations. - **Catherine Cornand – Senior Executive Vice President, Installed Base Business Unit**: Cornand focuses on servicing existing nuclear fleets, ensuring safety and efficiency for global clients with her expertise in project management. Specific social media handles for these individuals are not verified or publicly prominent, so they are omitted here. Leadership data is sourced from [Framatome](https://www.framatome.com/en/). ### Funding and Financial Position As a subsidiary of EDF, Framatome’s funding is closely tied to its parent company’s financial structure rather than independent fundraising rounds. EDF, being publicly traded, reported a market capitalization of approximately €40 billion as of late 2025, though this figure applies to the broader group, not Framatome specifically. Framatome itself does not disclose standalone revenue figures publicly, but EDF’s nuclear segment, heavily reliant on Framatome, contributes significantly to its overall revenue, which was over €143 billion in 2022 (latest comprehensive data available). Framatome is at a commercial scale, generating revenue through contracts for fuel supply, reactor components, and maintenance services [EDF](https://www.edf.fr/en). Recent investments include a $50 million expansion of Framatome’s Lynchburg, VA facility in 2025, aimed at supporting SMR development and advanced fuel production [WSLS News](https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/07/17/lynchburg-nuclear-company-to-host-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-with-gov-youngkin-state-leaders/). Key strategic backers include EDF as the majority owner, with minority stakes historically held by entities like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Exact funding details for specific projects are not publicly disclosed in the latest data. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Nov 5, 2025 | Advanced Fuel Breakthrough | Framatome and TerraPower achieved a milestone in producing HALEU metal for Natrium reactors [World Nuclear News](https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/framatome-terrapower-in-advanced-fuel-breakthrough). | | Jul 17, 2025 | Facility Expansion in Lynchburg | Opened a $50 million upgraded facility in Virginia to support SMR and fuel development [WSLS News](https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/07/17/lynchburg-nuclear-company-to-host-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-with-gov-youngkin-state-leaders/). | | Fall 2025 | Pipe Liner Contract Awarded | Received a multimillion-dollar contract to mitigate buried condenser pipes at a US plant over eight years [ANS Nuclear Newswire](https://www.ans.org/news/tag-framatome/). | | Dec 2, 2025 | Advocacy for UK Nuclear Energy | Framatome Ltd emphasized sustainable nuclear solutions for the UK market [Manufacturing Today](https://manufacturing-today.com/news/edf-subsidiary-framatome-ltd-is-advocating-for-sustainable-nuclear-energy-in-the-uk/). | | Aug 12, 2025 | HALEU Supply Chain Development | Demonstrated capability in converting uranium oxide to HALEU, boosting domestic supply chain [ANS Nuclear Newswire](https://www.ans.org/news/tag-framatome/). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **TerraPower**: Collaboration on advanced nuclear fuel, specifically HALEU metal production for the Natrium reactor, enhancing the supply chain for next-generation reactors and supporting commercial deployment of advanced designs [World Nuclear News](https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/framatome-terrapower-in-advanced-fuel-breakthrough). - **EDF (Parent Company)**: Strategic integration with EDF provides Framatome access to large-scale projects like Hinkley Point C, ensuring long-term contracts and operational support for nuclear plants worldwide. - **US Nuclear Operators**: Multiple contracts for maintenance and component supply, such as the recent pipe liner project, reinforcing Framatome’s role in sustaining the existing US nuclear fleet [ANS Nuclear Newswire](https://www.ans.org/news/tag-framatome/). ### New Hampshire Relevance Framatome’s technologies and expertise present a potential fit for [[New Hampshire]], particularly given the state’s proximity to [[Seabrook Station]], one of the few operational nuclear power plants in New England, connected to the ISO-NE grid. Framatome’s experience with PWRs like the EPR aligns with Seabrook’s design (a [[Westinghouse Electric Company|Westinghouse]] PWR), making it a candidate for maintenance, fuel supply, or upgrade services in the region. Additionally, its focus on SMR support could align with New Hampshire’s legislative interest in advanced nuclear technologies under bills like HB 710, which explore SMR deployment for clean energy goals. The company’s readiness for deployment, with operational technologies and ongoing US projects, matches potential NH timelines for nuclear expansion or modernization. Applications could include grid power support via Seabrook enhancements or future SMRs for data center loads and industrial heat in the Northeast. While no direct NH connections are documented in recent data, Framatome’s strong US presence (e.g., Lynchburg facility) and focus on the Northeast market suggest potential interest in regional opportunities [Framatome US](https://www.framatome.com/en/about/locations/united-states/). ### Competitive Position Framatome competes with major nuclear industry players like [[Westinghouse Electric Company]], [[[[Rosatom]]]], and [[[[GE Vernova Gas Power|[[GE Verno]]va Hitachi Nuclear Energy]]|GE Hitachi]] Nuclear Energy. Compared to Westinghouse, Framatome offers a broader international presence with the EPR design, though it faces challenges in cost overruns on projects like Flamanville in France. Rosatom, with aggressive global expansion, poses a competitive risk in markets outside the US, while Framatome’s EDF backing provides financial stability. GE Hitachi’s focus on BWR and SMR designs contrasts with Framatome’s PWR and fuel expertise, giving Framatome an edge in specific reactor types but requiring adaptation to the growing SMR market. A key risk is the pace of innovation in advanced reactors, where smaller firms may outmaneuver larger incumbents. ### Closing Note Framatome stands as a mature, globally recognized leader in nuclear energy with a strong trajectory toward supporting advanced reactor technologies and sustaining existing fleets, promising a pivotal role in the low-carbon energy transition. *Report generated December 24, 2025*