Nuclear Energy in France by Mathieu and Cathy

Nuclear power in France : a problem or an essential resource ?

- France : the country in the world with the most nuclear power stations relative to the population.

- Nuclear power accounts for 17% of French energy needs and 78% of French electricity consumption.

Nuclear energy seen as a resource

In France, 78% of electricity comes from nuclear power. This is one of the most competitive in Europe.

In France, 78 % of electricity comes from nuclear energy. This is one of the most competitive of Europe. With its fleet of 58 reactors, France reaches a level of energy independence close to 50%, guaranteeing a stable supply.

Nuclear energy is an energy which does not emit greenhouse gases.

In a context of struggle against global warming, the phenomenon is now well understood by scientists, and defined as inevitable. It’s essential to use methods of energy production that don't increase global warming . Nuclear power has undoubtedly alongside other energies, such as renewable energy, an important role to play, to help preserve the environment.

It is well known that the nuclear industry produces waste, dangerous because it emits radiation. However waste products occupy a small volume and can be safely managed. Solutions have already found to manage 90% of the radioactive waste produced in France.

Ongoing research aims to help make informed choices about future management of waste, which represent 10% of the annual production of radioactive waste.

From the point of view of security of supply and energy independence

With its fleet of nuclear reactors with an installed capacity of 63,200 Megawatts, France holds 78% of its electricity production, allowing it to reach a level of energy independence around 50%.

France is therefore obliged to import massive amounts of fossil fuels to produce electricity. Nuclear power does not have the same constraints as oil or gas.

From the point of view of the environment

Since 1970, in France, 50% of CO2 emissions were avoided through the use of nuclear energy.

Nuclear power avoids the emission each year of 700 million tons of CO2 (emissions equal to those that produce 200 million cars) in Western Europe, including 360 million in France.

An average French person emits on average 1.8 times less CO2 than a German 2.9 and less than an American. In France, electricity generation is 78% nuclear and 14% renewable (mostly hydro), and is the origin of 10% of national emissions of greenhouse gases, as against 40 % globally.

Stopping the production of nuclear energy would  result in a 12% increase in the production of CO2.

On the issue of nuclear waste, nearly 90% of that produced in France already has a reliable and safe industrial solution. It is stored on the surface in two storage centers managed by Andra in the Manche (in Normandy) and Aube (Champagne-Ardennes).

For the remaining 10%, the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission), along with other organizations and institutions, is fully engaged in the research process, regulated by the law of 30 December 1991. It designs and develops techniques for the efficient and safe management of radioactive waste, that is to say to reduce their amount and harmfulness, the packaging and storage deep under the ground. These solutions exist, but it is important to bring them to a level of sufficient scientific and technical maturity, while taking into account economic factors and offering the most comprehensive waste management methods

From the economic point of view

The electricity produced in France is currently one of the most competitive in Europe. For operation in basic nuclear, appears more competitive than gas and coal.

These results include all present and future costs for the nuclear industry, that is to say, research and development, processing of spent fuel, decommissioning of nuclear power stations and waste management.

This competitiveness increases if we take into account the costs incurred by the limitation of emissions of greenhouse gases.

Nuclear power seen as a threat

La Hague: the largest reprocessing plant

Since 1966, the COGEMA plant, located in Cap de la Hague, Normandy, processes used nuclear fuel not only from France, but also from 27 other countries using nuclear energy.

Fuels arriving at the factory are stored under water for several years to cool and they are no longer radioactive. Then the uranium and plutonium are recycled to produce new fuel.

From the environmental point of view, the impact of  La Hague has been the subject of a substantive review by a panel of international experts. The study showed that radioactive releases from La Hague in normal operation represent a significant accident every year. Emissions that exceed by several orders of magnitude allowed emissions.

The La Hague site focuses by far the largest quantity of radioactivity on French soil, making it a nightmare for any security officer. In case of attack, such an attack by hijacked planes, the La Hague plant is not protected.

False arguments to justify the choice of nuclear

« Nuclear power can reduce the" greenhouse effect " » :

The greenhouse effect is a real problem: it can lead to dramatic climate change by removing species. Droughts and floods will become more frequent. But nuclear power is not the solution.

While nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide it is hardly unique: all the materials used to build power consumed energy with the emission of polluting gases.

Radioactive waste is transported from one place to another that:

- produce CO2

- Creates a risk of dispersion of radioactive material into the environment

To fight against the greenhouse effect, we need lower overall global energy consumption, and most importantly, we must replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.

"It would be too expensive to stop"

How much will it cost us if there is an accident?

A large part of the population would experience cancer and birth defects or have children with genetic diseases.

All our fruit and vegetables would be radioactive; we would no longer be able to sell our agricultural produce abroad. Our reputation for fine wines would quickly disappear.

Many other environmental problems would occur.

What are the real costs?

"It would take us a long time to replace nuclear power."

This is false. You should know that to produce enriched uranium, the nuclear industry needs a large amount of energy. In fact, it is self-sustaining with nuclear energy, thereby increasing French consumption!

We must use renewable energy. Thus, shut plants and avoid the risk of accidents.