In the midst of an energy crisis, the executive wants to accelerate the construction of wind turbines, but also the preparation of future EPR 2. Le Figaro make the point.
Shortage of fuels, gas crisis and nuclear power plants shut down due to a corrosion problem… In addition to the many energy problems to be managed on a daily basis, the government has endeavored to present two bills on energy in recent weeks. Before writing a third next spring. To see more clearly, Le Figaro takes stock of the calendar for the coming months.
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Wind, solar… Accelerating the deployment of renewables
This is the government’s medium-term priority. In early August, he presented a bill to facilitate the installation of wind farms and solar panels. It currently takes much longer in France than in neighboring countries, he argues. And this, while France is struggling to meet its objectives for new renewable capacities installed in recent years.
On the menu of this text, which begins its journey in parliament by the Senate from Wednesday evening, derogations from environmental law, simplifications of administrative procedures and the establishment of pecuniary incentives for nearby populations wind farms.
Nuclear: facilitating the construction of future EPR 2s
At the same time as the text on renewables begins its legislative journey, the government presented a new bill to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday to also facilitate procedures for the construction of nuclear installations. This is the counterpart for the EPR 2 of the bill on wind turbines and solar panels. The text should arrive in parliament in January.
The government wants “to be able to implement the EPR 2 program as quickly as possible by speeding up all the procedures”, we explain in the entourage of the Minister of Energy Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher. And warn: “This is a technical bill,” who “must make it possible to start earthworks or office work without waiting for the end of all authorizations”.
In order not to waste time in the construction of the EPR 2, the government has also launched the public debate on the future EPR 2 program. A first public meeting was held last Thursday on the subject and other meetings are scheduled for you by February 27.
France’s energy roadmap for the next five years
At the same time, consultations on the future multiannual energy program (PPE), the benchmark roadmap in this area, have begun. They will continue until spring. The government will then translate the guidelines adopted into a bill that will set the main guidelines for the next five years. This text should arrive in parliament in early summer 2023.
Despite the debates that will be held between experts, professionals and NGOs on France’s energy future as part of the preparation of the PPE, there is little suspense. Head of State Emmanuel Macron set the country’s energy course during a speech held in February 2022 in Belfort. The texts of law in preparation will only be the setting to music of the presidential speech.
Emmanuel Macron first announced the launch of a new nuclear program with the order from EDF of 6 reactors of a new model, the EPR 2, and eight others as an option for a total capacity of more than 22 gigawatts in 2050 He also emphasized the development of offshore wind power (about sixty parks by the middle of the century) and solar power (100 gigawatts). He also lowered the target for onshore wind with a “simple» doubling of current capacities.
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