After years of wrangling, France has set out a new energy law that slashes its wind and solar power targets and drops a mandate for state-run energy provider EDF to shut down nuclear plants.

After years of wrangling, France has set out a new energy law that slashes its wind and solar power targets and drops a mandate for state-run energy provider EDF to shut down nuclear plants.

  • Tar_Alcaran@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    43·
    1 day ago

    So, “the cheapest option” if you live in Los Angeles AND you lie about cost of nuclear power. It would cost 135 euro/mWh in Birmingham, which is comparable to Paris in sun-hours. Call it 120 to be nice. Nuclear power in France costs 70 euros/mWh

    And those French nuclear plants are all running at 70%, this solar solution would be fully capped out.

    • Quittenbrot@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      1 day ago

      Nuclear power in France costs 70 euros/mWh

      Yea*, because the French state as the sole owner of EDF told them so. And is providing them with a multitude of subsidies for their activities. Hence, the true costs of nuclear power are hidden with cross-subsidisation.

      *Rather, the price can very well exceed 70€, but is then taxed more

      • Tar_Alcaran@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        21·
        1 day ago

        From what I can find, with my limited french skills, EDF isn’t getting much in the way of subsidies. The 70 euro soft-ceiling was a massive raise to fund new reactors, it used be ~40 euro’s for 25% of power and they ran fine on that.

        • Quittenbrot@feddit.orgEnglish
          2·
          1 day ago

          The 70 euro soft-ceiling was a massive raise to fund new reactors, it used be ~40 euro’s for 25% of power and they ran fine on that.

          They didn’t run fine on that at all. The blanket 45€ cap ensured very cheap electricity in France, but also led to EDF being indebted by approx 65 billion € in 2022.

          That’s when the French state decided to fully step in and increased their share in the company from 80ish to 100% for another 10 billion € taxpayers money/national debt. I’d call that a subsidy.

          That also means that the debt of EDF is now fully covered by the French state, giving the company more leeway despite being so indebted. That also qualifies as a subsidy.

          Further, the planned new EPR2 reactors will include a clause that will guarantee EDF a minimum price. Should prices fall below that, the difference is covered by the French state. That could be a subsidy.

          Also, the French state will provide favourable loans and guarantees for the construction of these reactors, giving that EDF themselves don’t have the funds to tackle this huge investment. That’s a clear subsidy.