The benefits of nuclear energy
The world is in a state of flux, with a succession of extraordinary crises: global pandemics, conflicts, energy crises, inflation. More than ever, we need to assert control over our energy security and independence. We must also act to "decarbonize" electricity production, which is the world's primary source of carbon emissions, due to the use of fossil fuels (coal and gas). Nuclear energy is a dependable solution for ensuring our sovereignty and combating climate disruption.
Nuclear energy: a low-carbon solution
Nuclear is one of the world's least CO2-emitting forms of energy, with emissions comparable to wind power, 4 times lower than solar power, 40 times lower than gas and 70 times lower than coal. Its very small CO2 footprint makes it an indispensable energy for the low-carbon energy transition.
Did you know ?
The significant proportion of nuclear energy makes France's electricity mix one of the most decarbonized in Europe
Nuclear energy and energy sovereignty
Nuclear energy contributes to France's energy
independence by producing electricity on home soil. In this way, it strengthens
the country's energy security, taking it to over 50% overall. A major
asset for France's sovereignty.
Did you know ?
57% of French people consider that nuclear energy is essential for France’s energy independence
BVA/Orano survey – June 2023
Continuous, controllable electricity
Thanks to its robust production system, nuclear energy delivers large quantities of electricity continuously, while adapting to demand. In this way, nuclear energy makes a major contribution to safeguarding the supply of electricity to hospitals, to homes and businesses, as well as for transportation, the world over.
Did you know ?
When we flick a switch and the light comes on instantly, it's a good example of what continuous nuclear electricity does for us.
Uranium: high energy density
Because uranium has a much higher energy density than hydrocarbons (100g of uranium produces as much energy as a metric ton of oil), it can be stored more easily. France has several years' worth of stockpiled depleted uranium. Moreover, uranium is an abundant resource available on all five continents.
Nuclear energy: an energy source that saves raw materials
Orano recycles nuclear fuel to produce new fuel, thus helping to preserve natural resources. In France, one in every 10 light bulbs works on energy generated using recycled nuclear fuel, MOX.
Did you know ?
96% of used fuel can be recycled, so that natural resources can be saved
Nuclear energy, essential for the electricity mix
In all the energy transition scenarios studied by the IPCC1 and the IEA2 for the production of low-carbon electricity, a significant development of renewable energies can only be envisaged along with nuclear power to avoid the use of fossil fuels. Renewable energies (solar, wind) are by nature intermittent and cannot meet the existing and future energy needs of 8 billion people on their own.
As a result, nuclear and renewables must combine together to sustain the low-carbon energy transition and meet France's commitments to combat global warming.
(1) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change
(2) International Energy Agency
Did you know?
Coal was the energy source of the 19th century, Oil that of the 20th. Carbon-free electricity will be that of the 21st century.
A resource for the future
Over the past 50 years, the nuclear industry has been developing expertise and technologies that are unique, enabling us not only to produce the energy of tomorrow, but also to advance other sectors of human endeavor including health (cancer therapies), resource efficiency (recycling of strategic metals/materials), space research and more.
The nuclear industry in figures
1
million jobs in Europe
220 000
jobs in France
3rd
industrial sector in France, after the aeronautics and automotive sectors
100 000
new hires over 10 years in France
3 000
companies in France
€6 billion
a year: contribution to France's trade balance
56
nuclear reactors in France (2nd largest fleet)
444
nuclear reactors in 32 countries
-
7 good reasons for turning to nuclear energyLearn more
-
SFEN websiteLearn more
- Understanding Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy makes it possible to produce low-carbon, competitive, and continuous electricity
- The importance of nuclear in the context of the energy crisis: the answers to your questions How best to explain the tensions on the electricity market? The war in Ukraine is making us aware of just how important our energy sovereignty is.