France: an energy vulnerability
France, once synonymous with energy independence thanks to its nuclear fleet, now finds itself in a position of strategic vulnerability. This situation is not accidental, but the consequence of a series of structural, economic and ideological choices made by successive governments over several decades.
By importing almost all of its hydrocarbons, weakening its historical assets and delaying its anticipation of the return of geopolitical tensions, the country faces an increased dependence on foreign sources. At the heart of this loss of sovereignty lies the slowdown of the nuclear program, long the flagship of French industry and autonomy.
At the heart of this loss of sovereignty lies the slowdown of the nuclear program, long the flagship of French industry and autonomy.
The choices that led to this situation
Several bad political decisions have had a major impact. As early as the 1990s and 2000s, the construction of new reactors was progressively halted. This trend was confirmed as a pioneer in 2015 by the energy transition law, setting the objective of reducing the share of nuclear power to 50% of the electricity mix, leading to the closure of the Fessenheim power plant in 2020.
At the same time, the considerable delays and cost overruns of the next-generation EPR reactor in Flamanville damaged the industrial credibility of the sector. Nuclear power, one of the few areas where France mastered the entire value chain, has seen its strategic position erode.
The consequences of increased dependence
France has long based its strategy on an assumed dependence on imported fossil fuels, taking advantage of prices deemed low and a stable international context. Oil from the Moyen-Orient, as well as Russian, Norwegian and Algerian gas, constituted pillars of its supply. However, recent crises have revealed the limits and dangers of such a model.
This dependence was coupled with a vulnerability linked to the energy transition itself. Policies pursued at the national and European levels, although aimed at decarbonizing the economy, have reinforced dependence on globalized supply chains, particularly Chinese ones, for key technologies such as solar panels or batteries.
Today, the consequences of this fragility are multiple and affect the economy and the population. Rising energy prices weigh on household purchasing power and business competitiveness. Major industrial sectors are seeing their economic model threatened by high energy costs.
Beyond the economic aspect, France's national power and security are at stake. Energy sovereignty has become a major factor of power, and its loss translates into diminished geopolitical influence and strained social cohesion.
Bernard Bertucco Van Damme