ENERGY POLICY AND ENERGY SECURITY OF FRANCE

Abstract

In response to effects of oil shocks of the 1970s, France successfully implemented a multi-year program of nuclear energy development. With the enormous electricity power generated, France created its own unique model of energy security. It became the largest exporter of electricity in Europe and one of the world’s biggest suppliers of nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors. At the same time, France is an active advocate of counteracting climate change effects and the EU’s climate and energy policy driving force. This position, however, stems more from economic interests, that is civilian nuclear technology dissemination projects embedded into the framework of the low carbon economy. As a consequence, France maintains specifi c interests towards communitarianism of the EU energy sector.