Macron announces new nuclear power plants

At a time when other countries are turning to renewable energy, France insists on its commitment to nuclear energy. Not only does it insist, but it is announcing the construction of six new nuclear power plants by 2050. In addition, it is considering building another eight. The total cost is estimated at 50 billion euros. It is the largest construction project in the field of nuclear energy in the world. Macron’s announcements were made in the town of Belfort, Alsace. Present at the event, next to the French president, was Jean-Pierre Svenemann, a former technology minister, accompanied by François Mitterrand and a fan of atomic energy in the 1980s.

“Our goal is to make France in thirty years the first country that will not depend on fossil fuels, will not depend on others and will lead the way in meeting the goals of climate protection,” said Emanuel Macron. This is the same logic that has recently prompted the European Commission, under the apparent influence of France, to include atomic energy in “sustainable investments” that will help meet climate targets, at least in a transitional period. This is because atomic energy does not emit carbon dioxide, as is the case with lignite, for example. However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Germany, which has turned to renewable energy, has expressed strong objections, while Austria has already announced that it will take the European Court of Justice against the Commission.

The largest network in Europe

Today France has the most nuclear power plants in Europe, but also the most in the world, after the USA. A total of 56 nuclear power plants are operating in France. Macron states that not only will new ones be built, but also the operation of the old ones will be extended for 50 whole years, if their technical specifications allow it. It confirms once again that atomic energy in France is of strategic importance, as pointed out by the political scientist Marc Antoine Aile Machega, a member of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). “The nuclear power industry maintains 200,000 jobs,” said the Franco-German researcher. “France has the know-how for the entire production chain and also has nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers and nuclear weapons.”

Evidently pleased, Emanuel Macron speaks of a “renaissance of atomic energy in France.” Opposition parties have accused him of “pre-election maneuvering”, as it comes just two months before the presidential election, with Emanuel Macron himself not even officially announcing his candidacy, which is considered certain. Many ecological organizations also express their anger for the ambitious nuclear program, but Macron tries to appease them, while announcing the construction of 50 new wind farms, the expansion of the existing ones, but also the tenfold (!) Increase of the installed capacity of the photovoltaic units. . Today, France is under fire for failing to meet its renewable energy targets. Wind energy currently covers only 19% of the country’s energy needs.

The operation of old factories is extended

In 2035, France’s first new technology nuclear power plant is expected to open, most likely on the north coast of the country, near the settlement of Gravlin, where France’s largest nuclear power plant is already operating. But this does not mean that older nuclear facilities are being disarmed. According to Emanuel Macron, the old nuclear power plants will be extended for up to… 50 years, if their technical specifications allow. Relevant instructions have already been received by the state energy giant EDF, in order to carry out the necessary controls.

Giannis Papadimitriou (ARD, DPA)

Source: Deutsche Welle

Source: Capital

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