Paris (AFP)
The decision to build or not to build new EPR nuclear reactors in France will not be taken before the end of 2022, therefore postponed to the next five-year term, confirmed on Wednesday the Minister for Ecological Transition, Élisabeth Borne.
"Whether it is all the elements on nuclear or the 100% renewable scenarios, it is in mid-2021 that we want to have all the elements, technical, economic ...", she declared during a hearing of the Commission for Sustainable Development and that of Economic Affairs at the National Assembly.
That "for a decision (...) which will not take place before the commissioning of Flamanville", while "the loading of fuel from Flamanville is planned for the end of 2022. So that means that it is beyond" from that date, she added.
The government has asked EDF to work on a project for the construction of six new next-generation nuclear reactors, on the one hand.
He also envisages a scenario in which France would ultimately rely on electricity from 100% renewable sources. This scenario is developed with the help of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and RTE, the manager of the high-voltage network, said Ms. Borne.
"On such important subjects, we must make rational, reasoned decisions, and that is the objective of the various studies that have been launched," she said.
"I think we are on the right track by examining all the scenarios, by giving ourselves the time to examine them with rationality and without preconceptions, with a simple objective, which is to have a production of carbon-free electricity at a affordable for citizens and businesses, "said the minister.
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