Gravelines Nuclear Power Station
The largest power plant in France
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1980, Gravelines Nuclear Power Station is a nuclear power plant located in France with an installed capacity of 5.5 GW. It is operated by EDF. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in France.
Why It Matters
Gravelines Nuclear Power Station is a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity for France, producing enough power for roughly 4.2 million US-equivalent households per year. Nuclear plants like this one operate at very high capacity factors (~90%), meaning they generate near their full nameplate capacity around the clock—a profile that complements variable renewables like wind and solar.
Environmental Impact
Compared to a coal-fired plant of the same output, Gravelines Nuclear Power Station prevents approximately 41.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Nuclear plants do produce radioactive waste, but the volume is small (a single household's lifetime nuclear waste fits in a soda can) and storage technology has improved significantly over the past 40 years.
Fun Facts
- The largest power plant in France by installed capacity.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 4.2 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 46 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Gravelines Nuclear Power Station produce?▾
Gravelines Nuclear Power Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 5.5 GW. At typical capacity factors for nuclear plants (~92%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 4.2 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Gravelines Nuclear Power Station located?▾
Gravelines Nuclear Power Station is located in France at approximately 51.0147°, 2.1367°.
When was Gravelines Nuclear Power Station built?▾
Gravelines Nuclear Power Station was commissioned in 1980.
Who owns Gravelines Nuclear Power Station?▾
Gravelines Nuclear Power Station is owned and operated by EDF.
About Nuclear Power
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat, which produces steam to drive turbines. They provide reliable baseload power with virtually no direct carbon emissions, though they produce radioactive waste.
Other Nuclear Power Plants in France
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Paluel Nuclear Power Station | 5.3 GW | EDF |
| ⚡Cattenom Nuclear Power Station | 5.2 GW | EDF |
| ⚡Bugey Nuclear Power Plant | 3.7 GW | EDF |
| ⚡Tricastin Nuclear Power Plant | 3.7 GW | EDF |
| ⚡Blayais Nuclear Power Plant | 3.6 GW | EDF |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.