In Italy we make laws and then expensive and divisive referendums. In France, "the" law will suffice to stop drilling for gas and oil. A text with a few articles, to be applied immediately. Of popular consultation, in short, not even to think about it. Emmanuel Macron's energy review makes its way with ambitious proclamations, setting a European record.
For the new president the future of France will have to be only of renewable energies. Proclamations very similar to those of Donald Trump, who has attacked renewable sources since the day of his election, considering the issue more or less a hoax spread by Barack Obama and European circles. Two identical communication strategies, that of Macron and Trump, but divergent on the merits.
France wants to review research and production to close with a past that has seen it as a protagonist. In his heart Macron perhaps thinks of regaining a European record in the fight against climate change and on the reduction of CO2 quotas. However, the recent declarations of Ecological Minister Nicola Hulot on blocking drilling raise some questions. The first concerns the time within which the companies will really no longer be able to investigate and exploit the French subsoil.
Is a time compatible with the massive introduction of renewable sources in the country? Little has been heard of planning so far, yet it would be important to know. What will the companies involved in mining and distribution respond? And what income statement will they present, after planning investments? Italy can set an example in this respect. Not only did it not block exploration (popular referendum included), but it took charge of drawing up a new energy strategy.
A simultaneity of choices that discounts the future, as Europe wants. A second question that Macron-Hulot's choice on renewables raises is precisely the European scenario. The EU countries are certainly oriented towards renewables between now and 2030, but gas and oil maintain – and will continue to maintain for a long time to come – high market shares. Four days ago in Italy gas consumption even exceeded that of oil and imports from outside Europe remain high for everyone. In the meantime, new gas pipelines are being planned.
Will those that come into operation not touch France in any way? Lastly, the other major issue that accompanies the declarations of the new Parisian government concerns nuclear energy. The effects of the French nuclear choice - now distant - have benefited the balance of payments and the expenditure of households and businesses. Today many plants are closed. Some, like that of Bygey 150 kilometers from Piedmont yesterday worried about a controlled accident, but the plants remain the backbone of the national energy system.
EDF – the largest French company – obtains 50% of its electricity production capacity from its 90 nuclear reactors. Shutting down the reactors will not be easy or painless. Macron has spoken of reducing dependence on the atom, but will have to present credible plans, economically sustainable so as not to be blocked by the reciprocal reasons of nuclearists and anti-nuclearists. Not only will it also have to consider the substantial current system of interconnection of transport networks well. The reasons are not only national. Finally, will France be excluded from the discussions on the creation of the European gas hub, for which Italy is a candidate? Strategy questions that a law will not be able to extinguish. Unless you just mind your own home. But we don't want to think that.
