France's Nuclear Power Bet

How the 1974 Messmer plan built dozens of nuclear reactors, giving France low-carbon electricity, and the problems of ageing reactors and EDF's debts.

After the 1973 oil shock, France bet heavily on nuclear power.

The Messmer Plan

Announced in 1974 by Prime Minister Pierre Messmer.
France built dozens of standardised reactors over the next two decades.

Results

Nuclear power supplies around 65 to 70 percent of French electricity.
France has one of the lowest-carbon electricity grids among major economies.
France exports electricity to neighbours.

Why it worked

Standardised designs reduced costs.
State company EDF built and ran reactors.
Political consensus.

Problems

Ageing reactors needed costly repairs; in 2022, corrosion issues shut many reactors, making France a net power importer that year.
The Flamanville reactor was delayed over a decade and far over budget.
EDF accumulated large debts and was fully renationalised in 2023.

New plans

In 2022, President Macron announced plans for six new reactors.

The 2022 shortfall

When many reactors shut for repairs in 2022, France imported electricity for the first time in decades.

Thinking nuclear power needs no maintenance

Ageing French reactors needed costly repairs.

Key takeaways

France launched the Messmer nuclear plan in 1974.
Nuclear provides about 65 to 70 percent of French power.
Standardisation and EDF enabled rapid building.
Ageing reactors and Flamanville delays caused problems.