The French president Emmanuel Macron it converts to the atom. France will build 6 new EPR2 reactors over the next few years for the production of electric energy, to which another 8 already under study will be added. In all, therefore, 14 new plants. Plus the life extension of the current ones - where possible - beyond 50 years of life. At the gates of French presidential elections the energy question becomes a central theme of the electoral campaign, also marking Macron's background on the subject. The decision of the head of the Elysée, who at the beginning of his mandate was very skeptical about nuclear power, comes at a time when Europe has returned to talk about the need to focus on nuclear energy due to the energy crisis of the last few months, especially with the winds of war in Ukraine. However, there are major divisions between European countries with France which has 56 nuclear reactors and which supply about 70% of electricity needs, while there are other countries, such as Italy, which have decommissioned them for years or which they are doing, like Germany.
France "has no other choice" than to bet on the mix renewable-nuclear, underlined President Macron during the presentation of the new national energy strategy between now and 2050, at a turbine production factory in the city of Belfort. A plan which in many respects is not surprising, given the recent pressure that France has exerted to obtain the inclusion of atomic energy in the European green taxonomy, i.e. the list of investments deemed "green" at the EU level. But which according to the French number one will help the country fight the energy crisis with greater independence and contribute to the achievement of the carbon neutrality by 2050.
Macron and his nuclear and renewable energy plan
Macron's energy plan envisages that work on the construction of the 6 new state-of-the-art reactors will begin in 2028, with the aim of making them operational in 2035. He then added that studies will begin on the possibility of building another eight in the future for a total of “25 gigawatts by 2050”. Confirming the fact that he wants to focus heavily on nuclear power, the head of the Elysée also announced that will extend the time limit in addition to which nuclear power plants must be closed: from the current 40 to 50 where it is possible without compromising their safety. Effectively canceling the commitment to close a dozen of the 56 reactors of the electric giant EDF by 2035.
The new reactors will be operated by the French state-controlled energy company Edf, which poses a dual challenge also in light of the agreement to buy back a majority stake in its nuclear turbine division "Ge steam power" from the US company General electic , to which must be added the costs and technical problems that had recently hindered the expansion of nuclear energy by the French giant.
As for investing in renewable energy, Macron announced the 10% increase in the share of renewable gas by 2030 and the creation of 50 new offshore wind farms by 2050. An ambitious plan that will require an increase in the workforce, with the training and creation of Work". “Today France is making a choice. That of progress, climate, employment, purchasing power. That of its independence”, commented the president.
Edf: stock market crash after second cut in nuclear production in a month
The French company cuts its nuclear production target for the second time in a month, a signal that the energy crisis is far from over. The energy company lowers its nuclear production forecast to 300-330 terawatt hours for 2023 from 340-370 terawatt hours. The EDF share – shortly after 11 am – dropped by 4,16% to 8,25 euros.
At the basis of the decision, a series of difficulties of the group between breakdowns and maintenance works. A few days ago, Edf had reviewed al lower production estimates for 2022, also taking into account the shutdowns for 4 reactors with corrosion problems in the pipes. The French company did not specify how many reactors are affected by this problem, but it is estimated there are 11-12. Already last year 5 were taken off the grid for maintenance work.
With the deficit, France had to import energy, tightening supplies to neighboring countries – Germany and the United Kingdom – used to relying on the French giant, exacerbating the price crisis.
France was Europe's largest energy exporter in the second half of last year. But now the power company has to deal with faulty nuclear power plants. Furthermore, cost escalation and technical problems had also hampered EDF's nuclear power expansion, with the nuclear reactor at Flamanville on the English Channel, construction of which began in 2007 but has only recently been granted an operating licence.
