France Approves Major Nuclear Energy Revival Plan for 2025
France's government greenlights extensive nuclear energy plan to boost capacity significantly by 2050.
Key Points
- • French lawmakers approved a major nuclear revival plan to add 27 gigawatts by 2050.
- • Construction of at least 10 gigawatts of new capacity to start by 2026.
- • Rassemblement national party supported the plan, including proposals to restart the Fessenheim plant.
- • A decree to facilitate nuclear investment is expected before summer's end.
The French government has officially approved a large-scale revival plan for its nuclear energy sector, aiming to increase the country's nuclear capacity by 27 gigawatts by 2050. This pivotal development, confirmed by lawmakers in Paris on June 18, underscores President Emmanuel Macron's commitment to bolstering nuclear energy as a cornerstone of France's energy future.
Key specifics of the plan include the initiation of construction for at least 10 gigawatts of new capacity, equivalent to the construction of six EPR2 reactors, by 2026, with an additional 13 gigawatts projected for completion by 2030. Currently, France operates 56 reactors that contribute 63 gigawatts of installed nuclear capacity, making it the most nuclear-reliant country per capita worldwide.
The legislative approval comes amid a political climate that has seen the far-right Rassemblement national (RN) party gaining traction. The RN successfully passed several amendments during the session, including proposals to restart the Fessenheim nuclear power plant, which had been decommissioned since 2020. Such moves reflect the party's robust support for nuclear energy, highlighting a shift toward prioritizing traditional energy sources amid growing energy demands.
The French government plans to issue a decree by the end of summer to foster investments in the nuclear sector, demonstrating a proactive approach to secure funding and expedite the construction process. Furthermore, a contract covering the nuclear sector for the period from 2025 to 2028 has already been signed, solidifying the framework for the revival.
As the country pushes forward with this ambitious plan, it is clear that nuclear energy will play a crucial role in France's energy landscape, ensuring reliability and reduced carbon emissions in the face of environmental concerns.
In the words of a government spokesperson, "This revival plan not only enhances our energy independence but also positions France at the forefront of the global transition to cleaner energy sources."