The complete renationalization of the electricity company EDF is intended to ensure the desired expansion of nuclear power. What is France up to?
France has completed the procedure for the complete nationalization of the electricity company EDF. The simplified public takeover bid had been successfully completed, the Ministry of Economics announced in Paris on Tuesday. This makes it possible “to implement the program to build six new nuclear power plants under the best conditions,” Economics Minister Bruno Le Maire told RTL. This strengthens France’s independence in terms of energy policy. “We can regain control of our power generation.”
The former state-owned company EDF was recently 84 percent in public hands. The complete renationalization should ensure the desired expansion of nuclear power. More than a year ago, President Emmanuel Macron announced a renaissance of French nuclear power. Six new nuclear power plants are to be built. The construction of eight further power plants is also to be examined. In connection with the Ukraine war, an independent energy supply is to be ensured.
Corrosion problems and a maintenance backlog at power plants had led to a slump in nuclear power production last year. In 2022, production had fallen to 279 terawatt hours, the lowest value in 30 years. As Economy Minister Le Maire said on RTL, EDF must increase its nuclear power production and return as much as possible to the 350 terawatt hours that France needs.
Source: Stern
