French nuclear energy policies

France has a longstanding history as a global leader in nuclear energy production, with approximately 70% of its electricity coming from nuclear reactors, making it one of the most reliant countries on nuclear power worldwide. Over the years, this nuclear-focused energy model has ensured a stable power supply and played a pivotal role in helping France meet its climate commitments by providing a low-carbon energy source.

The future of this energy source is now at a crossroads, as nuclear power becomes a sensitive topic in public debate, with questions surrounding the aging infrastructure of many reactors, safety concerns, and the need to diversify the energy mix. In 2015, France envisioned reducing the share of nuclear power from 70% to 50% by 2025. However, the importance of nuclear energy in the country’s electricity system, along with its commitment to maintaining a low-carbon energy supply, led to changes in policy. Today, France views nuclear energy as a vital component of its strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. As a result, French energy policy now integrates additional nuclear power alongside renewable energy sources.

In 2023, a new piece of legislation was introduced to further support the country's nuclear ambitions: the "Law for the Acceleration of Procedures Linked to the Construction of New Nuclear Plants." This law simplifies administrative procedures related to the construction of nuclear plants, allowing for quicker decision-making processes concerning energy infrastructure projects. One of its key aims is to encourage the modernisation and construction of nuclear facilities, including both traditional large-scale reactors (EPR 2) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This legislation reflects France’s recognition that swift action is needed to address the challenges of energy security and climate change.

France is also playing a crucial role in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, an ambitious global initiative designed to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy. Fusion offers the potential for massive power generation—potentially limitless—without some of the downsides associated with nuclear fission, such as long-lived radioactive waste or major nuclear risks. Located in southern France, ITER aims to replicate the process that powers the Sun and other stars, where hydrogen isotopes are fused under extreme heat and pressure to release vast amounts of energy. The assembly of the reactor began in July 2024, and experts hope to see the first power produced by 2026. Though still in the experimental phase, ITER represents a significant step toward making fusion energy a viable energy source. If successful, it could transform the global energy landscape by offering a safe, sustainable, and almost limitless power supply.

ITER is an international collaboration involving 33 countries, including key players such as the European Union, the United States, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and India. For France, hosting the ITER project is a critical component of its strategy to remain a leader in nuclear technology.

At the same time, France is also pursuing the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as part of its nuclear energy strategy. SMRs are compact reactors that typically generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity—significantly less than traditional large reactors. They offer several advantages, including reduced construction time and costs, enhanced safety features, and greater flexibility in deployment, particularly in regions with smaller energy needs or in conjunction with renewable energy sources.

One of France’s most prominent SMR projects is Nuward, led by EDF (Electricité de France). The goal of Nuward is to develop a commercially viable SMR that can be deployed both domestically and internationally by the early 2030s. The French government sees SMRs as a crucial part of the future energy mix, providing a low-carbon, reliable source of power to complement the country’s existing nuclear fleet.

With initiatives like ITER, the development of SMRs, and key legislative reforms, France is advancing its leadership in nuclear energy and addressing the challenges of current and future energy needs.