Publication Laka-library:
The French nuclear electricity program
| Author | EdF |
| Date | May 1986 |
| Classification | 2.02.9.90/04 (FRANCE - OTHER FACILITIES) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
I severity of the 1973 oil crisis required France to free herself of her dependence on foreign energy sources. In 197 4 the French government charged EDF with the task of achieving a nuclear power equipment program capable of providing one-third of the nation's energy needs by 1990. Twelve years on, the status of program goals realized marks how far we have come. The thirty-two 900 MW units and the six 1 300 MW units now operable supply two kWh out of three. This puts France in first position in the world for the percentage of nuclear-generated electricity and in second position for installed capacity. The essential ingredient in the success of France's nuclear power program is the high level of competence of each sector involved in the program. Success also rests on government's, EDF's, and industry's determination to reach defined goals. The coordinated implementation of skills and resources has endowed our nuclear power industry with a unique degree of coherence that explains its ability to get things done. After having started up building on five or six units per year, in 1983 the government decided to order only one or two units per year, to take account of a downward revision of energy objectives. Despite this decision, the government has emphasized its intention to maintain the edge acquired by the French nuclear industry. In this spirit, and in collaboration with Framatome and Alsthom, we have initiated a new series of 1400 MW plants, with an entirely French design, the first unit of which is currently under construction. But the future of the nuclear energy also includes exploiting the advantages of fast breeder reactors. The start-up of the Creys-Malville plant is a major contribution in this respect, which should validate the technical solutions chosen. 1t will be government's role to sustain the effort undertaken by deciding to go forward with the following construction phase, once Super-Phenix has been operating over a significant period of time. As was the case for France in 1973, many countries to-day must confront the problems of cheap energy supplies. For some of these, reliance on nuclear energy seems to be a sensible solution. To these countries, we offer the experience and know-how EDF has acquired in building and operating nuclear power plants over more than ten years. Our successes so far encourage us to keep up our efforts to penetrate new markets and to contribute to France's exports. Remy Carle Director -General Engineering and Construction Division Electricité de France.
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