Approval granted for the construction of 14 new nuclear reactors in France
In a recent development, the French Senate has approved the construction of 14 new nuclear power plants and the expansion of renewable energies, as part of a broader energy supply bill. The bill, initially rejected by the National Assembly in June due to a moratorium on new wind and solar installations, has been sent back to the Senate for further consideration.
The energy supply bill, which was passed in the early hours of Wednesday, aims to achieve a share of 58 percent "low-emission" energy compared to 40 percent today. France classifies nuclear power and renewable energies as "low-emission."
The bill's approval comes amidst ongoing debates on the balance between nuclear and renewable energy sources in France. The government is prioritizing nuclear while also considering the role of renewables in the energy mix. This includes opposing efforts to raise renewable targets without recognizing nuclear's role.
Recently, EDF received approval from France's nuclear safety authority (ASN) to extend the operational life of its 1300 MWe nuclear reactors. This involves 20 reactors, including those at Belleville-sur-Loire, Cattenom, Flamanville, Golfech, Nogent-sur-Seine, Paluel, Penly, and Saint-Alban/Saint-Maurice. This project involves significant safety improvements and an investment of about €6 billion.
France plans to construct at least six new EPR2 reactors, with the potential for eight more. The first commissioning of these reactors has been delayed from 2035 to 2038, with an estimated program cost nearing €80 billion.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called for state subsidies for wind and solar energy to be discontinued, although his stance on this matter remains undisclosed in this context. Differing positions on the handling of renewable energies are emerging within the government camp.
The National Assembly cannot reinsert the moratorium on new wind and solar installations in the bill. The controversial interim halt for wind and solar energy has been temporarily shelved. The industry minister, Marc Ferracci, defended a "balanced energy mix" that combines nuclear power and renewable energies.
The debate on the energy supply bill will continue in the National Assembly in September, with the bill being debated again at that time. The forthcoming Multiannual Energy Program (PPE 3) will likely reaffirm nuclear power's central role while promoting innovation in reactor design and other energy technologies. The legislative bodies will be key in approving or amending such policies.
Community policy should address the government's prioritization of nuclear energy and its consideration of renewables, as seen in the energy supply bill. The employment policy, in light of the construction of 14 new nuclear power plants and potential expansion of renewable energies, may need to address job opportunities and training within the energy, finance, and business sectors of the industry.
