
Focus on the nuclear industry in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
22 October 2024As part of an initiative to study and enhance regional economies, a detailed report on the nuclear industry in the South of France has been published. This report, which looks at the challenges subcontractors in the nuclear sector face when attracting skilled workers and accessing market opportunities, is the result of a partnership between the Region Sud, the regional network of chambers of commerce and industry, the Capenergies cluster, and risingSUD.
As home to world-class nuclear research facilities, the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region plays an important role in the French nuclear sector. The region is home to more than 200 companies that provide more than 18 000 direct and indirect jobs.
The nuclear ecosystem is structured around renowned organizations such as CEA Cadarache (the largest research and development center for energy in Europe), ITER (the massive international nuclear fusion development project), the nearby Tricastin Nuclear Site (one of the most important nuclear technology sites in the world). These organizations make the region a hub for engineering and research into the reactors of the future. The proximity of the Marcoule site and the Toulon naval base, where submarines and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are stationed, add to this vibrant ecosystem.
As the nuclear sector grows and develops, regional companies are contending with a need for more technicians and engineers. The often remote location of the sites adds to the human resources challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that provide sub-contracting services also face specific difficulties.
At a time when the nuclear industry in France is enjoying a new boom, partly due to the strong government support to meet the challenges of decarbonization and a secure energy supply, this new study provides helpful insights into the situation of subcontractors and their development prospects.