Government prioritizes nuclear in energy strategy

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu presented France's new energy roadmap on Thursday, February 12, from a hydroelectric site in the Jura. This document, the third multiannual energy program (PPE3), sets guidelines for 2025-2035 and confirms a major nuclear relaunch while scaling back targets for onshore wind and solar. It aims to free France from fossil fuel dependence.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu selected a symbolic location to outline the main lines of the PPE3: the Vouglans dam and the Saut-Mortier hydroelectric plant in the Ain valley in the Jura. This presentation, held on Thursday, February 12, follows over two years of delay in finalizing this strategic document, long debated due to intense political battles.

The PPE3, to be published in a decree in the Official Journal on Friday, February 13, defines consumption and production targets for energy sectors over 2025-2035. According to a consulted summary, it addresses the 'challenge of the century,' as the government describes it: positioning France as the first major industrial nation to break free from fossil fuels.

Key guidelines include confirming a massive nuclear relaunch, the priority sector. However, it scales back ambitions for deploying onshore wind and photovoltaic solar compared to previous versions. This choice reflects the government's priorities in the context of energy transition.

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