Clean Power Professionals Group
This special interest group is for professionals to connect and discuss all types of carbon-free power alternatives, including nuclear, renewable, tidal and more.
Shared Link
France to build up to 14 new nuclear reactors by 2050, says Macron
"Emmanuel Macron has announced a “renaissance” for the French nuclear industry with a vast programme to build as many as 14 new reactors, arguing that it would help end the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and make France carbon neutral by 2050.
"'What our country needs ... is the rebirth of France’s nuclear industry,' Macron said in a speech in the eastern industrial town of Belfort, in which he lauded the country’s technological prowess.
"The centrist French president, who is expected to announce his campaign for re-election this month, is conscious of a growing debate about energy ahead of this spring’s presidential vote as costs to consumers rise. Environmental issues are also a growing concern among French voters.
"Atomic energy provides about 70% of French electricity, and low-cost nuclear power has been a mainstay of the French economy since the 1970s, but recent attempts to build new-generation reactors to replace older models have become mired in cost overruns and delays."
France to build up to 14 new nuclear reactors by 2050, says Macron
French president says ‘renaissance’ of atomic energy industry will help end country’s reliance on fossil fuels
Discussions
Let's take a look at the current situation with Nuclear in France. What a mess!
EDF's shares fall after French firm cuts nuclear output forecast
EDF, which announced its revisions on Monday, has faced pressure from government steps to tackle higher energy bills. It has also been plagued by delays over new reactors and been forced to shut reactors to deal with corrosion and other safety issues.
It slashed its nuclear output forecast for 2022 to 295-315 terawatt-hours from a previously expected 300-330 terawatt-hours, saying this was related to nuclear safety controls.
EDF said its new output forecasts took into account known or suspected corrosion problems on 11 reactors. It said three - Chinon 3, Bugey 4 and Cattenom 3 - faced unscheduled shutdowns.
Two reactors had shutdowns extended. Penly 1's shutdown would run to Oct. 31 and Chooz 1 would stay shut until Dec. 31.
EDF said it would announce its 2023 forecast "as soon as possible".
To illustrate just how bad that 2022 forecast is - here is chart showing French Nuclear Generation since 2010.
.png)
Luckily, France does have a "Plan B"
France will also increase its solar power capacity tenfold by 2050 to more than 100 gigawatts (GW) and target building 50 offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of at least 40 GW.
This should offset the decline in nuclear generation France is now experiencing and will continue to experience as its aging nuclear fleet continues to decline.
Get Published - Build a Following
The Energy Central Power Industry Network® is based on one core idea - power industry professionals helping each other and advancing the industry by sharing and learning from each other.
If you have an experience or insight to share or have learned something from a conference or seminar, your peers and colleagues on Energy Central want to hear about it. It's also easy to share a link to an article you've liked or an industry resource that you think would be helpful.
Your access to Member Features is limited.
Sign in to Participate