French energy law could close third of EDF's reactors: report

(planet-ark, 11 Feb 2016) France's energy transition law could force state-controlled utility EDF to close up to a third of its 58 nuclear reactors by 2025, the state audit office said in its annual report on Wednesday.

The Cour des Comptes estimates that the planned reduction of the share of nuclear in French energy production to 50 percent by 2025 from more than 75 percent now could lead to the closure of 17 to 20 reactors if power consumption and exports remain at current levels.

"Only a very significant increase of electricity use or power exports could limit the number of closures but experts do not expect this will happen," the auditor said.

It said that this could impact jobs at EDF and raised the possibility that the utility might demand state compensation.

The auditor said the impact of the law will have to be evaluated within the framework of the multi-annual energy plan, which Energy Minister Segolene Royal is set to present by the end of this month.

In a written answer to the auditor, Royal said that its estimates were based on a highly uncertain outlook for energy consumption.

External link

planet-ark, 11 Feb 2016: French energy law could close third of EDF's reactors: report