ABSTRACT
France relies on nuclear power as an important part of her energy program. Anticipating problems with the availability of natural uranium before the year 2020, the French have been pursuing a three-stage program of development of breeder reactors. The third reactor in this program, the near-commercial plant Super Phenix Mark I, is expected to reach power operation in 1983. Although there are still some uncertainties, particularly about the date when the breeder will become competitive with other energy sources, the outlook is considered favorable and preliminary designs for commercial plants are under way.
ABSTRACT
A European perception of the world energy situation and its likely evolution during the next two decades is presented. French energy policy is then discussed as a possible set of consistent choices that can be made to deal with the energy situation in a regional context for the next 15 years.
