Politicians often argue what type of power is best for their country’s grid and national independence. Some want to keep the fossil fuel industry, which is obviously not a good idea due to climate change. Most agree we should prioritise greener alternatives, but still argue between nuclear power and other renewable sources like solar and wind. Both have separate benefits that should be used in tandem for the best results.
The benefit with nuclear power is that it provides dispatchable electricity, capable of stepping in when there is no wind or sunshine. According to the 2022–2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear power is one of the “dispatchable” sources that are essential for stabilising a highly renewable electricity system. Without this stable base, many European countries would have to rely more heavily on gas- or coal-fired power plants to balance their grids, which would run counter to their climate objectives. Unlike renewables, which are constrained by weather conditions, nuclear power offers stable and continuous production. This stability is indispensable for balancing the needs of European electricity grids and makes it easier to integrate intermittent sources such as wind and solar power without jeopardising the balance of the grid. This complementarity is essential if the energy transition is to succeed.
European grids and their energy sovereignty are strengthened by French nuclear power. By reducing dependence on imports of fossil fuels — often sourced from unstable regions — it contributes to greater strategic autonomy for the European Union. This has become a particularly sensitive issue in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions and volatility in energy markets. As a result, French nuclear energy has an impact that extends far beyond national borders. It plays a key role in reducing CO₂ emissions by ensuring supply security, stabilising prices and supporting the development of renewables. It is now a pillar of the European energy transition and helps to build an energy system that is both sustainable and economically viable.
France’s strength
European studies indicate that a nuclear baseline will remain necessary up to 2050, even with strong growth in renewables. In 2022, the European Commission categorised nuclear energy as contributing to the energy transition. France is expected to retain a major role, as it would account for around one third of Europe’s long-term nuclear capacity. Its industrial experience, technical expertise and existing infrastructure therefore make it a central player in the continent’s energy transition.
Because it has had power plants and reactors since the 1970s, France produces electricity with one of the lowest life-cycle carbon footprints in the world. In 2022, the IPCC stated that nuclear power emits, over its entire life cycle, about as much CO₂ as wind energy and far less than gas or coal, making nuclear one of the lowest-carbon sources of electricity. This means that the country plays a vital role in combating climate change, ensuring energy security for the rest of Europe and maintaining stability in the electricity market. By contrast, coal and gas used to generate electricity in Europe emit a wide range of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere throughout their entire life cycle. In addition, France regularly exports part of its electricity production to neighbouring European countries, reducing their CO₂ emissions. Given that the EU has now made a legally binding commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, low-carbon French electricity is an essential tool for gradually replacing fossil fuels.
Controversial power
Nuclear power is still a sensitive issue in public opinion. Many people are concerned about the risk of accidents, the management of radioactive waste, or the cost of nuclear installations. These concerns are understandable and deserve to be taken seriously in any responsible energy policy. However, technological advances over recent decades have significantly strengthened the safety of nuclear power plants, making major accidents increasingly unlikely. Since the devastating nuclear accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi, safety standards have been significantly strengthened, making nuclear power one of the energy sources that has caused the fewest deaths per kWh produced.
Unlike fossil fuels, which constantly release pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, nuclear power generates relatively small volumes of waste that are strictly regulated and closely monitored. Admittedly, long-term storage still poses challenges, but these are the subject of advanced scientific research and stringent public policies, making it possible to find sustainable solutions. Today, no other source allows such large quantities of low-carbon electricity to be produced in such a reliable and continuous manner. In the specific case of France, the decision taken in the 1970s to invest in nuclear power now proves to be a genuine asset. The average price per kWh in France has historically been lower than the European average, according to Eurostat. Its expertise in the design, operation and maintenance of power plants also represents a significant economic driver, creating skilled jobs and fostering technological innovation.
In the face of the climate emergency, the real question is therefore no longer whether to choose between nuclear power and renewables, but how to make them coexist intelligently. An effective energy mix is based above all on the diversification of sources, security of supply and the maximum reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear power, combined with renewables, constitutes an essential pillar of the European energy transition.
