France's Senate endorses a substantial escalation in nuclear energy production - French lawmakers approve extensive development of nuclear energy
France is set to embark on a significant nuclear power expansion, with the Senate's approval of a bill aiming for an increase in low-emission energy from the current 40% to 58%. This move is a testament to the French government's commitment to nuclear power as a central pillar of its energy and ecological strategy.
The bill, which was originally intended to serve as the basis for the country's energy supply plan for the next ten years, has faced opposition in the National Assembly due to the insertion of a moratorium on new wind and solar installations. However, the moratorium cannot be reinserted in its current form, as the law was sent back to the Senate in its original form.
The government, led by figures like Industry and Energy Minister Marc Ferracci, is actively driving the nuclear expansion agenda. Ferracci has emphasized the ambition "to project into the coming decades" with this nuclear revival and the key challenge of managing industrial performance and controlling costs. The government's plan includes building six new EPR2 high-power reactors by 2038, with an option for eight additional reactors, reflecting President Emmanuel Macron’s 2022 announcement.
Ferracci also defends a "balanced energy mix" that combines nuclear power and renewable energies. This approach aligns with France's strategic focus on securing energy independence, competitiveness, and ambitious climate targets in the coming decades. The plan will likely include a parallel expansion of renewable energies, as per the requirements of the bill.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, though not as detailed in the search results, is known publicly as a conservative politician supportive of nuclear energy expansion in France, reflecting the broader pro-nuclear sentiment within parts of the French political landscape. However, Retailleau has called for the phasing out of state subsidies for wind and solar energy, a position that was criticized by Ferracci.
On the European level, France actively opposes raising renewable energy targets without recognizing nuclear energy as a parallel low-carbon option. The country is advocating for a broader "decarbonized energy" directive in the EU that treats nuclear power equally with renewables, positioning nuclear energy as essential to meeting climate goals.
In summary, the French government, represented by figures like Marc Ferracci, is committed to a nuclear power revival with significant new reactor construction and life extensions, while also supporting renewable energy development within a balanced, pragmatic energy transition framework. This reflects France's strategic focus on securing energy independence, competitiveness, and ambitious climate targets in the coming decades.
- The government's employment policy, as led by Industry and Energy Minister Marc Ferracci, focuses on managing industrial performance and controlling costs for the planned construction of six new EPR2 high-power reactors by 2038.
- The French government's community policy, as advocated by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, includes phasing out state subsidies for wind and solar energy, while promoting nuclear power expansion as a key component of the energy transition.
- In the finance sector, the French government, in alignment with its energy policy and strategic focus, is actively working towards constructing a decarbonized energy landscape by advocating for the recognition of nuclear energy as a low-carbon ally in the EU's renewable energy targets.
