3 questions for Olivier Bard, General Delegate of GIFEN

With extensive experience in the French nuclear industry, Olivier Bard, General Delegate of GIFEN, is particularly focused on strengthening the sector’s operational performance, skills, and industrial capabilities to support its development both in France and internationally.

Olivier Bard has held various roles within the EDF Group for over 25 years. Notably, he served as Head of Department at the Paluel nuclear power plant, Chief of Staff to the Executive Director in charge of production and engineering, Deputy General Manager of the Chinese joint venture TNPJVC (the owner-operator of the two Taishan EPR reactors), and later led the French bid for a nuclear programme in South Africa.

From 2017 to 2022, he oversaw the preparation of the proposal submitted by EDF and the nuclear sector to the French government for the construction of new reactors in France. Olivier Bard is a graduate of Centrale-Supélec and also holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD.

The nuclear industry is reinventing itself and regaining its full potential. How is GIFEN driving the revitalisation of the supply chain to strengthen the sector’s operational performance and industrial capacity?

The French public recognises—confirmed by opinion polls—that nuclear energy is a key part of a sustainable future. Policy-makers have also reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear power. We must revitalise the nuclear sector, which represents both a real opportunity to reindustrialise the country and an economic necessity.

GIFEN was formed in this context of revitalisation and has positioned itself as the industrial backbone of the sector, bringing together 600 members, ranging from nuclear operators to mid-sized companies and SMEs. Uniting stakeholders in their actions and interactions has always been at the core of our organisation’s DNA. Since 2022, GIFEN has been leading the MATCH programme, which ensures alignment between industrial and human resource needs, enabling stakeholders to coordinate their industrial capacities, skills, and governance. This improves project planning and structuring. For instance, civil engineering must precede the installation of ventilation systems.

GIFEN was formed in this context of revitalisation and has positioned itself as the industrial backbone of the sector, bringing together 600 members, ranging from nuclear operators to mid-sized companies and SMEs. Uniting stakeholders in their actions and interactions has always been at the core of our organisation’s DNA. Since 2022, GIFEN has been leading the MATCH programme, which ensures alignment between industrial and human resource needs, enabling stakeholders to coordinate their industrial capacities, skills, and governance. This improves project planning and structuring. For instance, civil engineering must precede the installation of ventilation systems.

• Pillar 1: Improving operational performance to achieve excellence. Key areas include safety culture, inter-company project management, and digitalisation (standards, shared tools). As part of this pillar, GIFEN leads the Nuclear Sector Operational Excellence Programme.
• Pillar 2: Mobilising and expanding human and industrial resources. Initiatives are being undertaken to support employment, training, and the attractiveness of the sector while also expanding industrial capabilities to safeguard the country’s industrial sovereignty.
• Pillar 3: Strengthening the sector’s resilience. This is a long-term imperative—every stakeholder must become stronger, particularly in economic terms. This requires a fair distribution of value and a focus on key financial criteria such as working capital requirements, margins, and cash flow.

By nature, GIFEN is an influential organisation with a non-directive approach. Our role is to foster collaboration, share best practices, and create coherence.

Alongside the revitalisation programme, we must not overlook existing infrastructure, which has its own requirements in terms of maintenance and life extension. This ongoing, foundational activity plays a crucial role in accelerating the sector’s remobilisation.

The challenge ahead is immense—and exciting: So many efforts must be undertaken simultaneously, including extending the life of current installations, constructing new reactors, developing innovative reactor designs, securing fuel supplies, managing waste, decarbonising hydrogen production, and leading international projects.

What are the strengths of the French nuclear sector, and what challenges will it face in supporting its growth and meeting the ever-increasing demand for secure, cost-effective energy?

To meet the challenge of this remobilisation, our model stands out for its deep expertise. We have a strong history and legacy. Our industrial structure is perfectly aligned with the objectives and projects ahead of us. We have mastery of nuclear technology—we know where we have come from and where we are going. Today, society is sending a clear message: “We need you.” That is fundamental—and highly motivating. To deliver an effective response, three conditions must be met, and they are all present:

• Demand must stem from a real need,
• All stakeholders and the majority of society must believe in the effectiveness of the solution,
• And finally, we have a responsibility to deliver results. This is GIFEN’s core mission. We must work faster and more efficiently, improve planning, continuously enhance performance, and address deviations to learn from setbacks. As our Japanese colleagues say, we must “serve the system.”

Additionally, it is our duty to champion decarbonisation and safeguard national sovereignty. This is a collective challenge that the entire nation must embrace. GIFEN acts as a catalyst, fostering participation and collaboration.

This year, from 4 to 6 November, Paris will host the global showcase of the civil nuclear industry, the WNE (World Nuclear Exhibition). This event continues to see increasing success, and for the first time, WNE will open its doors to the healthcare sector with a focus on nuclear medicine. Many French and international start-ups in the field will be in attendance. Why this initiative?

The goal of WNE has always been to bring the global nuclear industry together in France every two years and make it an internationally recognised event. GIFEN, the event’s organiser, has played a key role in achieving this. WNE has become a must-attend event for French and international professionals—40% of exhibitors come from abroad, which adds considerable value. This year, the exhibition is expected to grow by 20% and will address major trends in the nuclear industry, including the deployment of new projects, training and skills development, as well as innovation and start-ups. For the first time, the 2025 WNE will feature an exhibit called “BEE (Beyond Electricity Expo)”, showcasing applications of nuclear technologies in sectors such as medicine, agriculture, and spacecraft propulsion.

By welcoming applications outside of electricity production this year, we aim to spotlight the strong momentum in nuclear medicine, a sector where France has significant expertise. The production of radiopharmaceuticals, essential for cancer treatment, is expanding rapidly. International collaborations are emerging to optimise existing nuclear infrastructure and produce vital radiopharmaceuticals. With WNE, we fully intend to drive momentum in this fast-growing sector. To sustain this initiative, we are establishing a medical division within GIFEN, bringing together innovative companies such as Orano Med, CEA, Framatome, and Lemer Pax.

To find out more, join us at the next WNE (4–6 November, Paris Villepinte)!
Our staff will be on hand to present our full range of radiation protection solutions for both Industry and Nuclear Medicine, tailored to your needs.