France's minister of economy, Bruno Le Marie, opened the World Nuclear Exhibition 2018 in Paris on June 26 by reinforcing the importance of the nuclear industry for France saying that it is an "essential" component of the energy mix for the long-term.
The nuclear industry supports 220,000 highly qualified jobs in France, making it the country's third-largest industrial sector. The sector also generates annual revenues of about EUR50 billion ($58bn), with around a fifth of this coming from electricity exports.
Le Marie stressed the need for France government to continue to invest in the nuclear sector. He said EUR10bn has been invested in recent years, shows the confidence the French state has in nuclear power.
Nuclear will be essential for "security of supply, competitiveness and sustainability," Le Marie said. Currently, electricity in France costs around 40% less than in neighbouring Germany.
The minister also dismissed concerns that the nuclear sector was under threat by additional investment in renewables. "France can accelerate diversification of its generation mix with renewables without weakening its nuclear industry," he said.
France currently has 58 operating nuclear plants and an EPR under construction at Flamanville 3. In 2017, nuclear accounted for 71% of France's electricity production.
Photo: French economic minister Bruno Le Marie addresses the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris
