France to Lead Nuclear Talks at Philippine Forum

France is set to lead discussions on nuclear energy at the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2024, scheduled for Nov. 13-15 in Quezon City. As a global leader in nuclear energy, France will share decades of expertise and innovations as the Philippines explores nuclear power as part of its energy mix.

The forum, themed “Nuclear Energy Solutions for Sustainable Accelerated Energy Transition for a Secure and Empowered Future,” will gather key industry players from five countries with robust nuclear industries, including the United States, Canada, South Korea, and Japan. Each nation will present best practices, frameworks, and technological advancements in nuclear power.

France’s delegation, led by experts from Électricité de France, the nation’s primary nuclear utility operator, will spotlight innovations that contribute to an efficient nuclear energy cycle. They plan to showcase advancements in reactor design and waste management, a priority for France, which generates over 60% of its electricity from nuclear power. France currently operates 56 reactors with a net capacity of 61,370 megawatts, making it second worldwide in reactor count and capacity. In 2023, French reactors supplied the country with 320,400 gigawatt-hours of electricity.

A critical element of France’s nuclear success is its approach to waste management, particularly through reprocessing and recycling spent fuel at Orano la Hague, the world’s first nuclear recycling plant. The plant, built in 1966, handles radioactive material recycling for reactors globally, enabling a closed-loop nuclear fuel cycle that bolsters energy independence. This system uses Mixed Oxide Fuel (MOX), made from recycled fuel, reducing waste and creating more sustainable energy.

France has also invested heavily in emerging nuclear technologies, aiming to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. An €8 billion investment under the France 2030 plan includes the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and enhanced waste management. The country aims to build 14 new reactors by 2050 and has already received the European Union’s first green bonds for nuclear energy.

Future developments include the European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) and its successor, the EPR2, both designed for higher efficiency and lower waste production. Other projects include the development of SMRs with capabilities like hydrogen production, district heating, and water desalination. France is also working on the Cigéo repository for nuclear waste, a facility expected to operate for 120 years, and participates in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, which aims to harness fusion energy.

“France’s prominence in the global nuclear energy industry sets an example on how continuous innovation, methodical nuclear energy cycle, and calculated risks brought the country close to its goal of energy independence,” said the Philippines Department of Energy. “As the Philippines strengthens its energy security, it is worth considering to venture on the path outlined by France’s nuclear energy industry.”

The Philippines, aiming for an initial nuclear capacity of 1,200 megawatts by 2032, views PINSCF 2024 as an opportunity to learn from nuclear energy leaders and establish essential global partnerships.