France initiates dual-track nuclear strategy: decommissioning Pégase reactor while advancing EPR2 construction

The French government has simultaneously authorized the decommissioning of the Pégase research reactor at Cadarache and the development of two EPR2 reactors at Gravelines. This dual mandate highlights the fiscal and technical strain of managing legacy nuclear liabilities while scaling modern generation capacity. The long-term viability of this transition depends on EDF's ability to balance these competing industrial priorities.