November 5, 2025
Axima Nucléaire Signs a Contract with EDF to Supply High-Power-Rated Chiller Units for the Next Six EPR2 Reactors in France
At the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE), Axima Nucléaire, a subsidiary of Equans France, and EDF officially announced the signing of a contract for the supply of high-capacity DEL chillers for the next six EPR2 reactors. Classified as safety-critical backup systems, these units produce and distribute the chilled water needed to cool the air in the nuclear island when the normal operating system is unavailable. Axima will be responsible for the design, qualification, manufacture, and supervision of the installation and commissioning of 30 production-series chillers, as part of an ambitious industrial partnership between two French players in the energy sector.
Cooling systems at the heart of nuclear safety
This contract covers the design, qualification, manufacture, and supervision of the assembly and commissioning of several standard cooling units.
The chillers developed by Axima Nucléaire will play an important role in the operation and safety of future EPR2 reactors. Designed to cool water to 7°C, they will supply air-handling systems that maintain controlled temperatures in sensitive areas of the nuclear island—both for critical equipment and for operator comfort. In the event of an incident, these cooling units become safety systems: they prevent temperatures from rising.
These massive machines will be designed to withstand some of the most demanding combined conditions: earthquakes, electromagnetic pulses, and aircraft crashes. Before being put into service, they will undergo comprehensive qualification testing—including vibration testing, accelerated aging, and extreme temperatures (up to 50 °C)—to ensure their robustness. These refrigeration units will also incorporate new cybersecurity requirements.
A Contract for Sovereignty and Industrial Development
These machines will be designed and manufactured in France by Axima Nucléaire at a new production facility covering 4,000 m² located in Isère. The new contract, which builds on Axima Nucléaire’s more than fifteen years of expertise in the manufacture of special-purpose machinery, demonstrates EDF’s renewed confidence in Equans and underscores the importance of French expertise in developing technologies for the nuclear industry of the future. Involving up to 20 Axima Nucléaire employees working simultaneously, this project demonstrates the company’s commitment to becoming the French leader in classified refrigeration units for the nuclear industry.
“ This contract is a wonderful recognition of Axima Nucléaire’s expertise. Being able to manufacture such strategically important equipment in France is excellent news for the country’s energy and industrial sovereignty. It also sends a strong signal of EDF’s confidence in our teams and our technologies. ”
“ This contract illustrates our shared ambition to align the entire value chain with performance: from the program’s procurement strategy through the design, qualification, manufacturing, and supply of refrigeration equipment. I am convinced that the success of our industrial projects depends on our joint operational efficiency in delivering on quality, cost, and schedule, while consistently prioritizing safety and security. Together, we will ensure our country’s energy and industrial sovereignty. ”
