The Evolution of France’s Nuclear Energy Strategy: Policy Adjustments and Future Challenges from 1945 to the Macron Era

Abstract

France has been a global leader in nuclear energy since the 1970s, with nuclear power playing a central role in its electricity supply. However, France’s nuclear energy strategy is not static, but has undergone many adjustments in different historical periods. This paper reviews the evolution of France’s nuclear energy strategy from 1945 to the present, focusing on the adjustments of nuclear energy policy under the Macron government and their reasons. It is found that from 1945 to 2017, France’s nuclear energy strategy experienced three transitions from initial exploration to large-scale development and then to optimization of energy structure. After Macron’s administration, affected by energy security, climate environment and economic factors, the nuclear energy policy has gone through a process from “gradual reduction” to “steady maintenance” and then to “full restart”. However, France still faces multiple challenges in promoting the development of nuclear energy, and it is still necessary to take measures in various aspects to ensure the stable development of nuclear energy in the future.