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| Fig. 1: Nuclear Power Plant in Cattenom, France. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) |
In February 2022, Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, announced that the country would be committing to a new nuclear power program. [1] This program entails the construction of up to 14 new-generation reactors in addition to a fleet of smaller nuclear plants. [1] Let us explore the motivation behind why France is launching this program, and also examine the pros and cons of nuclear power.
There are many benefits to nuclear power. First, it is one of the most low-carbon energy sources. [2] This means that transitioning to more nuclear power will help us lower greenhouse emissions. So using nuclear power can help us in the battle against climate change. Second, it is a reliable source of energy. Unlike solar and wind which are dependent on weather conditions, nuclear power can create a steady energy output. [2] Third, there is enough availability of fuel. The uranium reserves we rely on to create nuclear power have a much longer expected lifespan as compared to fossil fuels. [2]
One major con of nuclear power is the radioactive waste that is produced as a byproduct of its production. This material is highly toxic, and can negatively affect the environment if not properly disposed of, especially as it can last for thousands of years. [2] Another major con of nuclear power is the cost associated with it. Although they are not too expensive to maintain, it requires billions of US dollars to construct a single nuclear power plant (see Fig. 1)! [2]
Currently, France relies on nuclear power to generate 70% of its electricity. [1] The country is able to do this via a fleet of 56 nuclear reactors, the second-largest in the world behind the United States. [1] This plan will help to more firmly establish France as the biggest atomic power producer in Europe. Economically, this program will give French companies an advantage when competing in the growing nuclear energy market against American and Chinese companies. Constructing and maintaining these reactors will also, directly and indirectly, create more jobs for French citizens. Politically, this program will benefit France because it will allow the country to cut back on its reliance on foreign energy.
?One of the biggest drawbacks to the program is the cost. The program will cost a minimum of 57 billion US dollars (to build the plan's first 6 next-generation pressurized water reactors at existing nuclear sites around France), and will likely amount to much more if Macron succeeds in constructing all 14 new-generation reactors. [1] This cost is dependent both on the number of reactors and unforeseen delays in the construction process. For example, a reactor construction project in Vlamanville had been expected to complete by 2012 and to cost $3 billion dollars. However, due to severe delays, the Flamanville reactor won't open until at least 2023, and its cost to the country has risen to over $12 billion. [1]
Overall, if carried out effectively, this new nuclear power program will bring many economic and political advantages to France. Although the price tag of the program is high, it will help in cementing France as a leader in the nuclear energy market.
© Sowmya Patapati. The author warrants that the work is the author's own and that Stanford University provided no input other than typesetting and referencing guidelines. The author grants permission to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered form, with attribution to the author, for noncommercial purposes only. All other rights, including commercial rights, are reserved to the author.
[1] L. Alderman, "France Announces Major Nuclear Power Buildup," New York Times, 10 Feb 22.
[2] R. Murray and K. E. Holbert, Nuclear Energy, 8th Ed. (Butterworth-Heinemann, 2019).
