The U.S. gives nuclear energy a boost
The U.S. government has assigned a grant package of more than USD 4 billion to develop advanced reactors by supporting start-ups. The goal is clear: regain sovereignty in nuclear energy using the same method that allowed SpaceX to emerge in aerospace and Tesla in the automotive industry.
UK to triple nuclear capacity by 2050
A decision taken in line with a new strategy for energy security. As such, the government is targeting 24 GW by 2050 (versus 7 GW today).
ENERGY SOVEREIGNTY
We weren’t naive, we were greedy. Because gas was cheap, we bought more and more, agreeing to make ourselves vulnerable.
FRANCE: WE’RE STEPPING UP THE PACE!
On March 22, 2023, the National Assembly adopted the French nuclear program acceleration bill providing for the construction of six EPR2 reactors by 2035 and studies for a further eight nuclear reactors. The 50% cap on the nuclear share of the energy mix up until 2035 was abolished. Let's recall here that the French nuclear revival program also provides for €1 billion of investments by 2030 to develop innovative small-scale reactors and extend the lifetime of existing reactors.
We need to drastically reduce emissions now. And this is an issue that COP 27 did not address.
Climate change between 2.4 and 2.8°C
According to the United Nations experts' calculations, if policies remain at the current level, climate change could reach 2.8°C by 2100! The IPCC replied to this in its 6th report published in March 2023: it will reach 3.2°C in 2100 if the gap persists between CO₂ reduction commitments and reality. We are a long way from the 1.5°C target adopted by the 2015 Paris Agreement (COP 21).