“For the first time in decades, we are going to relaunch the construction of nuclear reactors and continue to develop renewable energies,” Macron announced, in order to meet climate goals, such as carbon neutrality by 2050.
In his opinion, this allows him to “live up to” his commitments, in the middle of the meeting of almost 200 countries in Glasgow for the UN conference on climate (COP26).
“This is a strong message from France”added the president.
In a context of rising gas, electricity and fuel prices, which forced his government to act, Macron He also defended that this measure will allow “guaranteeing energy independence” and “the electricity supply”.
“If we want to pay for our energy at reasonable prices and not depend on abroad, we need to continue saving energy and investing in the production of decarbonized energy,” he stressed.
The second largest economy in the European Union (EU), which generates most of its electricity through nuclear energy, currently only builds one new generation nuclear reactor, although it is studying the construction of another six EPRs.
In October, the president already announced the investment of 1,000 million euros (about 1,150 million dollars) in small modular nuclear reactors, in his plan to reindustrialize France by 2030 and decarbonize its economy.
Nuclear energy generates practically no greenhouse gases, but its use to limit global warming divides countries and experts, especially because of the waste it produces and its public image.
This energy source, which represents 10% of world electricity production, thus progresses in most scenarios of the UN climate experts (IPCC) to limit global warming to 1.5 ºC, compared to the end of the XIX century.
The announcements of the centrist president, who has not yet confirmed whether he is running for re-election in the April presidential elections, were quickly criticized by his eventual rivals, especially on the left and environmentalists.
“Nuclear energy must be abandoned. It is costly and dangerous,” said leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon., who, like ecologist Yannick Jadot, charged the cost overruns and delay of the reactor under construction at Flamanville.
In a statement, Greenpeace criticized the idea of relaunching an energy, which “chains the fiascos.” “The announcement (…) is completely disconnected from reality,” adds the NGO, which urges the “president-candidate” to consult the public.
Source From: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
