Originally Posted by
CBreezy
The number I referenced was from a French publication and published in May 2021.
Yes, and NOW after seeing what it’s going to cost all of Europe, the French are even reconsidering. But they lost a decade with their dithering. Nuclear power reactors are long lead time items, not something you throw up between this winter and next. From Forbes one whole week ago:
Feb 15, 2022,08:45am EST
Hit With High Natural Gas Prices, France Vows To Build More Nuclear Energy
Ken Silverstein
Senior Contributor
Energy
I Write About The Global Energy Business.
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France's Bugey nuclear power plant is seen on the banks of the Rhone river in Saint-Vulbas, near ... [+] CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES
The threat of war in Ukraine coupled with the supply chain crunch is causing France to consider expanding its nuclear energy program. It will build as many as 14 nuclear reactors by 2050 — not just to resist natural gas shortages but also to battle climate change.
Construction could begin in 2028.
Natural gas prices have spiked in Europe while Russia is amassing troops along its Ukrainian border, forcing Europe to potentially ban Russian natural gas. As for France, it wants to fall back on an energy source that is both carbon-free and reliable — one that has provided at least 70% of its electricity since the 1970s.
“What our country needs ... is the rebirth of France’s nuclear industry,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a
speech. He has also committed to increasing France’s share of offshore wind energy and solar power while extending the lives of current nuclear units. High natural gas prices and idled nuclear power plants have forced France to use more coal this winter.