nuclear-news

France to cut nuclear power, promote renewable energy

On nuclear power, Hollande said he wanted to close France’s oldest plant, Fessenheim, at the end of 2016, bringing the closure date forward by several months.

Hollande also confirmed his campaign pledge to cut the share of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix to 50 percent by 2025 from 75 percent at present.

France seeks more ambitious EU carbon cuts By Julien Ponthus and Muriel Boselli PARIS Sep 14, 2012  (Reuters) – French President Francois Hollande on Friday called for deeper cuts in European Union carbon dioxide emissions as he sought to put the environment back at the top of the international
agenda…….

….NUCLEAR .The two-day environmental conference in Paris marked the launch of a review of the world’s most nuclear-dependent country’s energy policy, with a focus on the small and struggling renewable sector.

Hollande said he intended to push for more global dialogue on
environmental issues during his five-year presidency, saying a lack of
progress in meeting climate goals made this urgent.

On nuclear power, Hollande said he wanted to close France’s oldest plant, Fessenheim, at the end of 2016, bringing the closure date forward by several months.

Green groups last week called for an early closure of the plant, which
was initially set for 2017, after a steam leak triggered a brief fire
alert at Fessenheim, in eastern France, and following another safety
alert earlier in the year.

The 34-year old nuclear power plant, located close to the border with
Germany, is unpopular due to its age and location in an earthquake
zone.

Hollande also confirmed his campaign pledge to cut the share of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix to 50 percent by 2025 from 75 percent at present.

New tenders for solar and offshore wind power will also be launched
before the end of 2012, he said.

Renewable energy makes up 13 percent of France’s energy mix, well
below the 23-percent target set by former president Nicolas Sarkozy
for 2020. Wind power lags neighbors like Germany and Spain with only 2
percent of electricity coming from it while solar power makes up less
than 0.5 percent….
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/09/14/us-france-environment-nuclear-idUKBRE88D0CP20120914

September 15, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | France, politics