Nuclear: decision on new EPRs deferred to next five-year term
AFP • 08 / 01 / 2020
The decision to build or not to build new EPR nuclear reactors in France will not be taken before the end of 2022, therefore postponed to the next five-year term, confirmed on Wednesday the Minister for Ecological Transition, Élisabeth Borne.
"Whether it is all the elements on nuclear power or the 100% renewable scenarios, it is in mid-2021 that we want to have all the elements, technical, economic ...", he said. she said during a hearing of the Commission for Sustainable Development and that of Economic Affairs at the National Assembly.
This "for a decision (...) which will not take place before the commissioning of Flamanville", while "the loading of fuel from Flamanville is scheduled for the end of 2022. So that means that it is beyond" of that date, she added.
The government has asked EDF to work on a project for the construction of six new next-generation nuclear reactors, on the one hand.
He also envisages a scenario in which France would ultimately rely on 100% renewable electricity. This scenario is developed with the help of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and RTE, the manager of the high-voltage network, said Ms. Borne.
"On such important subjects, it is necessary that we take rational, reasoned decisions, and this is the objective of the various studies which are launched", she argued.
"I think that we are in the right step by examining all the scenarios, by giving ourselves the time to examine them rationally and without a priori, with a simple objective, which is to have carbon-free electricity production at affordable cost for citizens and businesses alike, ”said the Minister.
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