The energy revolution led by President Emmanuel Macron is transforming key sectors in France, including the nuclear field. In an unexpected announcement, the French government has confirmed the closure of up to 17 nuclear reactors by 2025. The news was announced by Minister for Ecological Transition Nicolas Hulot in an interview with the media. Hulot indicated that “the closure could affect up to 17 reactors”, thus underlining the country’s commitment to reducing dependence on nuclear energy, which currently accounts for about 75% of its electricity production. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to meet the objectives of the energy transition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Nuclear blackout: Consequences for Europe
The partial closure of nuclear power plants will not only have repercussions within France, but will affect the whole of Europe, both in terms of energy supply and demand. It should be recalled that in 2016, Spain experienced a significant increase in the price of its wholesale electricity market due to the temporary closure of several French nuclear power plants. In January 2017, this situation led to a 96% increase in prices in the Spanish electricity pool, compared to the same period of the previous year.
In Germany, the French nuclear shutdown will be greeted with relief, as border communities have expressed concern about the ageing of the French nuclear fleet. The decision also brings the energy policy of the two most powerful countries in the EU into sync, as Germany closed eight nuclear reactors in 2011 following the Fukushima accident and plans to close all its remaining reactors by 2022.
France and the reduction of nuclear energy use
France had already begun to diversify its energy sources under President François Hollande, who passed a law calling for nuclear energy production to be cut from 75% to 50% by 2025. However, until Hulot came to power, this reduction had not been implemented in quantitative terms. For the first time, the minister has given a clear figure for the impact on the nuclear fleet. According to Hulot, the closure could affect up to 17 of the 58 reactors in operation in France, which currently generate around 63 gigawatt-hours annually.
The new French revolution
Reduction of CO2 emissions. One of the most ambitious goals of France's new energy plan is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2, surpassing the commitments of the Paris Agreement, from which the United States unexpectedly withdrew in 2050.
Social and economic impact of the closure of nuclear reactors
Beyond the energy implications, the nuclear sector in France has been a major economic pillar, supporting 220,000 direct and indirect jobs. State-owned EDF, responsible for nuclear power production, remains one of the country’s most influential companies, which could pose a significant challenge to Macron. Decisions on reactor closures will also need to take into account the economic and safety conditions of each plant.
In short, the closure of up to 17 nuclear reactors by 2025 marks a turning point in French energy policy. The transition to cleaner energy will be a challenge for the country, but it also brings with it the opportunity to lead in the fight against climate change and serve as an example for other countries in Europe and the world.