France is set to transition away from fossil fuels, aiming to promote nuclear and renewable energy sources. The new energy minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, announced this plan on Monday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to lowering household energy bills.
Pannier-Runacher, who was appointed over the weekend, identified key challenges for the century. These include reducing reliance on fossil fuels, adapting to climate change, preserving biodiversity, and reversing environmental degradation. She stated that supporting cleaner vehicles and facilitating home renovations are essential for reducing pollution and energy costs.
Previously, Pannier-Runacher served as the minister overseeing France’s energy transition from mid-2022 until January of this year. She plans to continue the green agenda, even as the new government grapples with a rising budget deficit.
In recent months, France has concentrated on its nuclear energy sector, which generates about 70% of the country’s electricity. This focus allows France to export electricity to neighboring countries. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Energy Transition introduced a bill on energy sovereignty, highlighting the importance of nuclear power in France’s future energy strategy.
The bill sets ambitious goals for building six to fourteen new nuclear reactors, as France relies heavily on nuclear energy to achieve its net-zero and emission reduction targets. However, it does not include specific targets for expanding renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, unlike previous energy laws.
In January, the Solar Impulse Foundation, which contributed to the bill’s consultation process, urged the French government to establish measurable targets for renewable energy production and increased energy efficiency.
You Might Be Interested In
- How Do We Get Energy from Nuclear Energy?
- Do We Need Nuclear Energy to Stop Climate Change?
- What is REC in Solar Power?