[CNN, Bloomberg, 3 May] The two candidates remaining in the French presidential elections showed a lack of knowledge of the role of nuclear energy in their country during a live televised debate on 2 May. When asked by Socialist candidate Segolene Royal what share of France's electricity was met by nuclear power, Conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy said that it was 50%. Royal then stated that it was only 17%. However, in 2006, some 78% of France's electricity was in fact generated from nuclear power. In addition, Royal referred to the Evolutionary Pressurized Water Reactor (EPR) under construction in Flamanville as a "prototype" third-generation unit. Sarkozy corrected her by saying, "It's not a prototype, it's the fourth generation." The Flamanville EPR is actually a third-generation reactor design, will be the second of its type to be built, and the pilot plant of the next French nuclear fleet. The election will be held on 6 May.
Further information
WNA's French Nuclear Power Program information paper
WNN: Royal promises policy debate, queries EPR
French candidates slip up on nuclear facts
The two remaining French Presidential candicates showed a lack of knowledge of the role of nuclear energy in their country during a live televised debate on 2 May. Socialist candidate Segolene Royal challenged the Conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy to state what share of France's electricity was met by nuclear power. Sarkozy said that it was 50%. Royal then stated that it was only 17%. In fact, in 2006, some 78% of France's electricity was generated from nuclear power. Sarkozy were also confused over the status of the Flamaville EPR, believing it was a Generation-IV design.
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