11 Sep (NucNet): France’s state-controlled utility and nuclear operator EDF needs to show a new generation of nuclear reactors work well, which is not for now the case, new environment minister Francois de Rugy said in remarks published in Le Monde yesterday.
Mr De Rugy said any decision on whether to build more plants using the EPR nuclear reactor design would be based on economic factors.
The French government is expected to outline next month a plan to cut the share of nuclear energy in its electricity production from the current 75%, the highest level in the world, to 50%.
Mr De Rugy told Le Monde his gut feeling was that nuclear power was not an energy source for the future, but added that there should be no “war of religions” on the issue.
Mr de Rugy assumed the ministerial role earlier this month after the departure of Nicolas Hulot, who quit in part over what he saw as the government’s slow progress in moving away from its dependence on nuclear energy.
