France stakes its energy future on nuclear power

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States)

OSTI ID:7320236

Lincicome, R A

France is well along on its way to becoming the most highly nuclear powered nation in the world. By 1985, according to the official government schedule, 70 percent of the nation's electrical requirements will be filled by nuclear power. By the year 2000, the official plan calls for 88 percent of electrical requirements to be met from nuclear. By way of comparison, U.S. hopes have been for nuclear power to provide about 30 percent of our requirements by 1985, up from 8 percent in 1975. Initially, French reactors were natural uranium-fueled, gas-cooled, graphite moderated models; then in the 1960s, they gained experience with the enriched uranium system. France subsequently abandoned BWRs and chose to go 100 percent with PWRs. Presently, Electricite de France has placed orders for about 40,000 MWe of PWR nuclear capacity, composed of 900- and 1300-MWe units, to be operational by 1985. EdF also has placed a firm order for construction of its first commercial-sized Fast Breeder Reactor, the 1200-MWe Super Phenix. EdF already is using the output of the first French breeder, the 250-MWe Phenix plant at Marcoule. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7320236
• Journal Information: Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Light Power (Boston); (United States) Vol. 55:1; ISSN ELLPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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