Where Does Nuclear Stand in the Barnier Government?

Since Emmanuel Macron assumed office, nuclear energy’s role within French government policy has varied. Initially, the Energy Transition was overseen by ministers critical of, or outright opposed to, nuclear power, including Nicolas Hulot, François de Rugy, and Barbara Pompili. However, significant shifts have occurred in Macron’s second term. Unveiled on September 21, the Barnier government includes several political figures with recent involvement in energy matters now in key positions. Antoine Armand, the author of a report on energy sovereignty, has been appointed Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry. Maud Bregeon, previously a deputy and rapporteur for the nuclear acceleration law, is now the government spokesperson. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, who initiated the European nuclear alliance, has been named Minister for Energy Transition, supported by Olga Givernet.

Who Are the Key Energy and Nuclear Figures?

Agnès Pannier-Runacher, ranked eighth in protocol order, now serves as Minister for Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate, and Risk Prevention. In February 2023, she launched the European Nuclear Alliance to revitalize this sector, bringing together 16 countries. Under her leadership, the government passed two energy acceleration laws, focusing on both renewable energies and nuclear power.

Supported by Olga Givernet, now Minister Delegate for Energy and a trained engineer, the team is poised for significant advances. Givernet, who advocated for the construction of two EPR 2 reactors at Bugey and formerly served on the Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPECST), is tasked with overseeing energy policy, including the development of innovative nuclear reactors.

Upcoming Challenges for the Government

🔴 En direct | Passation de pouvoir entre @ChristopheBechu, @DominiqueFaure, @P_Vergriete, @guillaumekasba, @SabrinaRoubache, @HerveBerville et @CaVautrin, @AgnesRunacher, @valerieletard, @FrancoiseGatel, @durovray, @FabriceLoher et @OlgaGivernet https://t.co/amjrcIzeQ6

— Ministères Territoires Écologie Logement (@Ecologie_Gouv) September 23, 2024

In her inaugural address, Agnès Pannier-Runacher emphasized that “science will be her compass” and reiterated the four pillars of France’s energy strategy: efficiency, nuclear energy, renewable energies, and energy sobriety. She underscored the critical role of nuclear power in achieving European sovereignty and addressing climate change.

Unless stated otherwise by new decrees, Olga Givernet will manage crucial aspects related to the nuclear sector and the broader electrification efforts. Her responsibilities will include revising the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) and the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC), and overseeing the progress of the Energy and Climate Programming Law (LPEC). Givernet will likely play a central role in financial decisions regarding the EPR2 program and in strategizing the renewal of recycling infrastructure.■