Tunzini Nucléaire (lead company) and SPIE form a consortium and sign a contract for ventilation system studies for future EPR2 reactors

Cergy, 20 May 2025 – Tunzini Nucléaire, a VINCI Energies company (and the consortium lead company) specialising in nuclear ventilation, and SPIE Nucléaire, a French subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, have just signed a contract with EDF for ventilation system studies for future EPR2 reactors.

This contract is part of the potential installation of six new latest-generation EPR2 reactors (Evolutionary Power Reactor) in France by 2050 with the aim of meeting the country’s low-carbon energy needs. Three sites have already been selected for these reactors, which will each have a capacity of 1670 MW: Penly (Seine-Maritime), Gravelines (Nord) and Bugey (Ain).

The draft programme is a pillar of France’s nuclear revival and seeks to contribute to its 2050 carbon neutrality targets. These new EPRs would be part of the nuclear programme promoting a more sustainable energy mix.

Ventilation: essential for the safety and performance of the EPR2 reactors

In order to guarantee the safety and reliability of the installations for the operator and the protection of those working at the facilities, ventilation systems are needed to contain sensitive areas and for smoke extraction. They are also used to regulate temperatures and moisture levels in the installations.

This temporary consortium is formed of two complementary entities, each with over 60 years of experience working in the nuclear sector:

Tunzini Nucléaire, which brings together three of the 26 VINCI Energies companies specialising in nuclear activities, has expertise ranging from engineering to commissioning and maintenance, and offers a wide range of ventilation, filtration, dynamic containment, air conditioning and smoke extraction services. Tunzini Nucléaire is part of VINCI Energies, a global multi-technical services and solutions integrator working at the heart of the energy and digital transitions.

SPIE Nucléaire, a SPIE subsidiary, is a key multi-technical partner for the design, installation, modification, maintenance and dismantling of nuclear facilities. Thanks to its expertise in electrical, mechanical, climate and nuclear engineering, SPIE Nucléaire is committed to promoting sustainable, controllable and safe low-carbon energy.

The two entities are proud to commit to working together to develop this ambitious programme and thereby contribute to the dynamism of the nuclear sector.

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to such a strategic programme. This contract confirms the trust that EDF has in the expertise and skills of Tunzini Nucléaire, and VINCI Energies more generally, to support them throughout this project,” says Yann Le Rousseau, a director at VINCI Energies - Nuclear Activities.

“Having worked alongside major nuclear operators for over 60 years, SPIE Nucléaire is delighted to have signed this new contract and to be supporting the second-generation EPR programme and the production of low-carbon energy by using its comprehensive expertise in nuclear facilities,” adds Arnaud Snykerque, Managing Director of SPIE Nucléaire.