This is so sad. The 3 "hidden problems" that the Koreans have are
- need to placate local politicians by using indigenous supply chains
- useless European over-regulation
- American IP lawsuit
So only man-made bullshit, as compared with actual technical challenges, which they seem to have mastered. So we can't have nice things, even though we can build them, because we red-taped ourselves to impotence.
Jun 21, 2023·edited Jun 21, 2023Liked by Angelica Oung
I think for EDF to return to true greatness you would have to see a major restructuring of European energy policy NOT just French energy policy. That is the scrapping of the liberalization of both gas and electricity markets. While this might sound extreme it actually could happen. I think Poland for example would be an ally of France on this as might other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Who would oppose? Well probably the Netherlands and Germany along with anti nuclear countries like Austria. Ironically the Netherlands is fairly pro nuclear but also pro market liberalization while Spain under the current govt is anti nuclear but also anti market liberalization.
The real elephant in the room I think is the scrapping of market liberalization would be seen as a major repudiation of the EU Single Market program of the 1980s and 90s and also a slap in the face to those who might still want Britain to rejoin the EU.
Just a question of detail: where does the figure of 64 reactors built in 15 years come from? Sorry, I didn't watch/listen to Mark Nelson's YouTube interview yet. However, my understanding is that 58 reactors + Superphénix came on line between 1975 and 2002. Do the 64 include research reactors in Cadarache and/or abandoned projects?
Thanks for writing. It's sad that anti-nuclear people keep pointing to France, as if it's a problem with the technology and not a problem caused by exactly the things that nuclear people are trying to ameliorate (human-made problems, rather than technological).
This is so sad. The 3 "hidden problems" that the Koreans have are
- need to placate local politicians by using indigenous supply chains
- useless European over-regulation
- American IP lawsuit
So only man-made bullshit, as compared with actual technical challenges, which they seem to have mastered. So we can't have nice things, even though we can build them, because we red-taped ourselves to impotence.
A very insightful piece, and the writing is great.
Parfait, Angelica.
(should gâteaux be singular - gateau?)
I think for EDF to return to true greatness you would have to see a major restructuring of European energy policy NOT just French energy policy. That is the scrapping of the liberalization of both gas and electricity markets. While this might sound extreme it actually could happen. I think Poland for example would be an ally of France on this as might other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Who would oppose? Well probably the Netherlands and Germany along with anti nuclear countries like Austria. Ironically the Netherlands is fairly pro nuclear but also pro market liberalization while Spain under the current govt is anti nuclear but also anti market liberalization.
The real elephant in the room I think is the scrapping of market liberalization would be seen as a major repudiation of the EU Single Market program of the 1980s and 90s and also a slap in the face to those who might still want Britain to rejoin the EU.
Just a question of detail: where does the figure of 64 reactors built in 15 years come from? Sorry, I didn't watch/listen to Mark Nelson's YouTube interview yet. However, my understanding is that 58 reactors + Superphénix came on line between 1975 and 2002. Do the 64 include research reactors in Cadarache and/or abandoned projects?
Thanks for writing. It's sad that anti-nuclear people keep pointing to France, as if it's a problem with the technology and not a problem caused by exactly the things that nuclear people are trying to ameliorate (human-made problems, rather than technological).
Great article, Angelica. However, I think you're referring to Total, not Total*e* ?
C'mon France! You got this!