France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced a “rebirth” for the country’s nuclear industry with a massive programme to construct 14 new-generation reactors, along with smaller nuclear plants, to make them self-sufficient in energy and also achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The planned plants will be built and operated by the government energy producer Électricité de France (EDF) and the fund for the reactors will be raised through public financing.

Macron made the announcement at a nuclear turbine factory in the industrial hub of Belfort in eastern France, at a crucial time when he is expected to make his bid for re-election as the country’s president for another term. His dramatic speech, peppered with comments like, “The Time has come for a nuclear renaissance” has two objectives. First, to reaffirm France’s self-reliance in energy production when the continent, especially its neighbour Germany, is facing the worst energy crisis in decades. Second, he wants to make a point that nuclear energy is green and one of the best options to battle climate change. This comes in the wake of the EU proposal to label nuclear investments as sustainable and green, in spite of the veto of green campaigners.

The decision to strengthen France’s nuclear infrastructure, however, indicates a volte face for Macron who had promised to cut down France’s reliance on nuclear power on the lines of green activists who point out the problem of nuclear waste disposal. Dumped nuclear waste can keep emitting radiation for centuries posing serious risks to human health, including cancers.

When Europe is reeling under an acute energy crisis, the nuclear build-up would cement France’s position as a leading energy producer that can boost its industrial prowess and strengthen the country’s economy. Considered a national priority, the nuclear industry creates around 200,000 jobs in the country. Centrist Macron has chosen to project the country’s image as an ‘energy leader’ that can steer him ahead of rightist opponents who harp on nationalism.

READ MORE:

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/macron-bets-nuclear-carbon-neutrality-push-announces-new-reactors-2022-02-10

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/world/europe/france-macron-nuclear-power.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/10/france-to-build-up-to-14-new-nuclear-reactors-by-2050-says-macron