how will the electricity production system in France evolve?

The goal is known: zero carbon emissions by 2050. But what path to take to achieve it? RTE, the operator of the electricity transmission network, proposes, in a report, six scenarios for the future of the electricity system. They range from a 100% renewable energy option to a half nuclear, half renewable mix. The central question is there: what to do with the French nuclear fleet? Should we replace reactors at the end of their life with new ones, or gradually get out of the atom?

For RTE, even if nuclear remains an important place, it will not be enough. It is therefore urgent to invest massively in renewable energies, in particular wind power. “Today, France is too slow in its way of installing renewable energies, indicates Xavier Piechaczyk, Chairman of the Management Board of RTE. We know that in order to achieve less 55% of emissions in 2030, we need to do renewable energies as quickly as possible. “ Investments are more or less expensive depending on the scenario chosen. The three options giving pride of place to renewable energies are the most expensive, in particular because of the major work to be done on the network. Building new nuclear reactors seems cheaper, according to RTE.

RTE “Energy Futures 2050” report (main results)

Article from “World”

National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC)

Yves Marignac is an expert in nuclear issues within the Négawatt association

Non-exhaustive list