Bruno Retailleau, the Republican candidate in France, emphasized the necessity of assessing electricity needs before any investment in nuclear energy at a recent conference on competitiveness. After announcing the construction of six new reactors, he said: "We need to see if investment in this area is justified."
Government's Nuclear Expansion Plan
The plan that Retailleau published in May did not seem to indicate any doubts about the expansion of nuclear energy. While the French government's plan anticipates the construction of eight additional reactors, Retailleau appears to be in a cautious position on this matter.
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Support for Fourth Generation Reactors
Retailleau also supported fast neutron reactors, known as fourth generation reactors, and called for an immediate return to the construction of this type of reactor. He stated that the first reactor of this kind might be built within the next 10 to 15 years. This candidate also described the halt of the Astrid prototype project as "one of Emmanuel Macron's unfortunate decisions" and said that this technology could convert waste into fuel.
Change in Renewable Energy Policies
Retailleau was previously known as a supporter of renewable energy, but he now emphasizes that "the truth of yesterday is not the truth of today." He pointed out that although renewable energies should have been encouraged in the past, there is no longer a need for this encouragement given the abundance of electricity. He also stressed that if elected president, he intends to cut support for renewable energies and end energy planning.
Retailleau's Environmental Pledges
Despite these decisions, Retailleau presented himself as an environmental supporter and, microphone in hand, said: "I welcome all environmental supporters of the world." These statements come as he seeks to attract voters regarding energy and environmental policies.
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