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| Europe |
| France to build next generation nuclear power plants |
| 2005-05-11 |
| Flamanville on Normandy's Atlantic Coast is already home to one nuclear facility, and it's about to get another. Paris plans to start building the first of a new generation of nuclear plants in 2007. Well above the European average, France derives almost 80 percent of its electricity from its 58 nuclear reactors. The country's first atomic power station began operating near Colmar, close to the German border, in 1977. The plant, expected to cost at least €3 billion ($3.8 billion), "will help guarantee European independence over the next few decades" said Pierre Gadonneix, president of Electricité de France. Energy supply is a serious concern in a country with limited domestic energy resources and therefore reliant on imports. It's one reason why the government has traditionally supported investment in nuclear power. EDF pointed out that the 2nd generation reactors could generate 1600 megawatts of electricity, compared to 900 for current reactors, need less regular recharging and have a life-span of 60 years. The company also claims that they would be able to withstand the impact of an aircraft flown by terrorists. The center-right government, meanwhile, argues that EPR is the most strategic response to the rising cost of oil. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #1 Germans are saved. Frogs are insane most of the time, but they have, on rare ocassions, a bright moment. |
| Posted by: Sobiesky 2005-05-11 22:11 |