Years ago, France even set itself the goal of reducing the share of nuclear energy in 2035 from the original 70 to 50 percent. But that is now definitely gone. On the contrary: the construction of new nuclear reactors is even accelerated and a maximum limit for nuclear energy is lifted. A corresponding law was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday.
399 MPs voted in favor of the bill, alongside President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling party, right-wing populists from the Rassemblement National, conservative Republicans and communists. 100 no votes came from the Greens and the left-wing populist party La France Insoumise. The Socialists abstained. The primary purpose of the law is to remove bureaucratic hurdles. Approval procedures need to be shortened.
Opponents of nuclear energy point out that such a political turn should not be enshrined in a more technical law, but that a public debate is needed. A law on the energy supply for the coming years and on the planned electricity mix is planned for the summer. The environmental organization Greenpeace accuses France of “forcing through force” the restart of the nuclear industry.
Reactor shuts down after technical problems
Nuclear power production in France has suffered in the past year due to numerous reactor closures. The aging nuclear power plant had produced less than in three decades. In March, cracks in the lines of the emergency cooling system on several reactors were reported again, which were significantly deeper than the previously known damage.
In February 2022, Macron announced the move towards a renewed expansion of nuclear energy. During his term in office he wants the foundations laid for the first two of the six planned new nuclear reactors to be built in Penly on the English Channel. Macron justifies the nuclear energy policy by saying that nuclear energy is low-emission and contributes to the country’s independent energy supply.
Source: Krone
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