Sarkozy visits Flamanville EPR site
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Flamanville in northern France to see the construction site of the country's first European Pressurized Reactor (EPR). The visit shortly followed his decision to construct a second EPR in the country.
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Flamanville in northern France to see the construction site of the country's first European Pressurized Reactor (EPR). The visit shortly followed his decision to construct a second EPR in the country.
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| President Sarkozy addresses workers at the Flamanville EPR construction site (Image: Elysee - L. Blevennec) |
After meeting with unions, Sarkozy visited the construction site of the EPR being built by Areva at Electricité de France's (EdF's) Flamanville site. Following a tour of the construction site, the President delivered a speech on the country's energy policy.
He stated that the French government should consider what partnerships would be most profitable for Areva following Siemens' recent decision to sell its 34% stake in Areva NP, its nuclear power plant manufacturing joint venture with Areva. He said, "It's a discussion that can't just happen, that will take some time, but I want it to take place soon," stressing that the end of the alliance between Areva and Siemens made this discussion all the more necessary.
In addition to emphasising the importance of France exporting its nuclear technology, Sarkozy also said that it was also in the country's interest to export electricity generated by its expanding domestic nuclear energy industry. Some 58 reactors generate over three quarters of France's electricity, exporting to all its neighbours.
Sarkozy also indicated that he was considering the possibility of constructing a third EPR in France.
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