Multi-Year Energy Programme 3 and National Low-Carbon Strategy 3: Nine Guidelines for French Nuclear Policy

Previously, the Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE) aimed to close 14 nuclear reactors in France. With this objective no longer relevant, the publication of a new Multi-Year Energy Programme and a new National Low-Carbon Strategy was necessary to make this official. That’s now done!

The much-anticipated 3rd Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE) and the 3rd National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC) are finally available. Presented on Monday, 4 November, by the Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, and the Minister of Energy, Olga Givernet, these documents are open to public consultation for six weeks. Covering all areas of energy and the country’s decarbonisation goals, they include significant points related to nuclear energy.

The Multi-Year Energy Programme and National Low-Carbon Strategy form the pillars of France’s energy and climate policy. Established in 2015, the National Low-Carbon Strategy is France’s roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with targets to cut gross emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 1990 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Multi-Year Energy Programme, on the other hand, is a tool for directing French energy policy, setting priorities for energy production and consumption, and aligning energy resources and infrastructure with climate goals.

These plans align with the French Energy and Climate Strategy (Sfec), resulting from a large public debate organised by Agnès Pannier-Runacher in 2023. They revolve around four pillars: the development of nuclear energy, support for renewable energies, improvement in energy efficiency, and energy conservation.

What Does This New Consultation Include?

The third edition of the National Low-Carbon Strategy and Multi-Year Energy Programme highlights several strategic directions. For the National Low-Carbon Strategy, particular focus is placed on decarbonising the transport sector, one of the main GHG emitters in France. The aim is to reduce emissions by encouraging a transition to electric vehicles, with a target of 66% electric vehicles in sales and 15% in the overall vehicle fleet by 2030. In terms of housing, the National Low-Carbon Strategy 3 aims to renovate 400,000 single-family homes and 200,000 collective housing units annually to increase their energy efficiency.

On the Multi-Year Energy Programme side, electricity is expected to make up 39% of the energy mix by 2035 (compared to 25% today), with 30% coming from non-electrical renewables. The goal is to follow a trajectory that would have electricity cover 54% of the total energy mix by 2050.

What Are the Nuclear-Related Points?

This document confirms the State’s change in direction regarding nuclear energy. While the previous Multi-Year Energy Programme planned to close 14 reactors (including the two Fessenheim units, which were shut down in 2020), this new approach now focuses on maintaining the existing nuclear fleet and developing new capacity. Nine specific actions are planned:

1. Extension of Reactor Lifespans: The Multi-Year Energy Programme allows for the possibility of extending the operation of nuclear reactors beyond 50, or even 60 years, subject to safety requirements set by the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN). Ten-year reviews will assess each reactor’s extension individually.
2. Improving Existing Reactor Performance: EDF is encouraged to increase operational efficiency of its reactors to reach a production target of 400 TWh by 2030, though the Multi-Year Energy Programme sets a more conservative estimate at 360 TWh. This aims to strengthen the stability and reliability of French nuclear production.
3. Launch of Three Pairs of EPR2 Reactors: The government confirms support for deploying three pairs of EPR2 reactors, with EDF’s final investment decision expected by 2026.
4. Studies for a Potential Expanded Nuclear Programme: To prepare for future nuclear capacity, the government is considering a second phase of at least 13 GW, approximately eight additional EPR2 reactors. This study, ongoing until 2026, could enable a quick decision to significantly expand the nuclear fleet.
5. Support for SMRs and Innovative Reactors: As part of the France 2030 plan, the government is backing small modular reactors (SMRs) and breakthrough technologies. The Multi-Year Energy Programme aims to lay the first concrete for a pressurised water SMR and to launch at least one prototype of a reactor using different technology by 2030. The consultation document specifies that the State will continue assessing the deployment of these reactors in France to contribute to heat production, hydrogen generation, or closing the nuclear cycle. Furthermore, the government plans to identify suitable sites and adapt legislation to facilitate their integration.
6. Continuation of the Fuel Reprocessing and Recycling Strategy: The goal is to complete work on renewing downstream cycle facilities by 2026 to define the cycle’s future post-2040.
7. Multi-Recycling Strategy and Fast Neutron Reactors (FNR): Research on multi-recycling in pressurised water reactors (PWR) is ongoing, along with setting milestones for deploying fast neutron reactors (FNR) by the end of the century with necessary infrastructure.
8. Creation of a European Conversion and Enrichment Sector for Reprocessed Uranium (RU): The document indicates that the French industry will continue to work on a European project for RU conversion and enrichment, enabling EDF to meet its needs starting from 2030.
9. Maintaining Nuclear Research: The CEA will lead an investment programme to maintain research capacity in the nuclear sector, ensuring France’s long-term expertise and innovation in this strategic field.

The government invites citizens and stakeholders to actively participate in this consultation to refine the Multi-Year Energy Programme and National Low-Carbon Strategy. The French Nuclear Energy Society (Sfen), after conducting internal work, will also contribute. Participants can share their views on the official consultation website, accessible online.