Bugey Nuclear Power Plant
One of the largest power plants in France
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1979, Bugey Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant located in France with an installed capacity of 3.7 GW. It is operated by EDF. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in France.
Why It Matters
Bugey Nuclear Power Plant is a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity for France, producing enough power for roughly 2.9 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, Bugey Nuclear Power Plant prevents approximately 28.5 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
- One of the 10 largest power plants in France.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.9 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 47 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Bugey Nuclear Power Plant produce?▾
Bugey Nuclear Power Plant has an installed nameplate capacity of 3.7 GW. At typical capacity factors for nuclear plants (~92%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.9 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Bugey Nuclear Power Plant located?▾
Bugey Nuclear Power Plant is located in France at approximately 45.7986°, 5.2700°.
When was Bugey Nuclear Power Plant built?▾
Bugey Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned in 1979.
Who owns Bugey Nuclear Power Plant?▾
Bugey Nuclear Power Plant 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Gravelines Nuclear Power Station | 5.5 GW | EDF |
| ⚡Paluel Nuclear Power Station | 5.3 GW | EDF |
| ⚡Cattenom Nuclear Power Station | 5.2 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.