President Emmanuel Macron is expected to give the go-ahead for a cluster of nuclear reactors as Europe’s energy crisis spurs renewed French interest in the contentious source of power, reports the Financial Times.
France is a bastion of nuclear power in Europe, with more than 70 per cent of its electricity derived from nuclear plants.
However, after the disastrous 2011 explosion at a plant in Fukushima, Japan, and big cost overruns at a new plant in Flamanville in north-west France, national pride around France’s nuclear capability dissipated.
Early in his presidency Macron announced the intention to shut 14 reactors and cut nuclear’s contribution to France’s energy mix from 75 to 50 per cent by 2035.
But the mood is changing.
This week, Macron is expected to announce the development of six so-called small modular reactors (SMRs), or “mini” nuclear plants.
Approval is also a way for Macron to show his pro-nuclear credentials when a number of his most likely challengers in next year’s presidential election are pushing for more investment.