Nuclear Energy in France Nuclear energy is the cornerstone of
french energy policy. In the ‘70s France chose to develop
nuclear as its base load electricity source as a response to the
oil crisis and assure its energy independence. Nuclear
Electricity Production: France currently counts 58 commercial
nuclear reactors in operation responsible for producing 80% of
French domestic electricity. As a comparison, the 104 US
reactors produces 20% of US electricity.Despite scarce natural
resources, France has reached an energy independence of 50%
thanks to its strategic choice for nuclear energy. Environment:
As well as providing safe and reliable energy, nuclear helps to
reduce French greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the release
of 31 billions tones of carbon dioxide (contrary to coal or gas
generation) and making France the less carbon emitting country
within the OECD. As a leader in nuclear energy, France has
developed clean technology for radioactive waste disposal.
Reprocessing currently allows France to rec