CGM Nuclear Webinar Series: Episode 3 - How Did France Reach 70% Nuclear Energy?

By Laurent Fabre, Head of Business Development for Asia, International New Nuclear Development, Electricité de France (EDF)

Moderated by Datuk NK Tong, Group Managing Director, Bukit Kiara Capital

Opening remarks by Dato’ Seri Ahmad Johan Mohammad Raslan, Council Member, Climate Governance Malaysia 

Remarks by H.E Axel Cruau, Ambassador of France to Malaysia

Episode 3 of the Climate Governance Malaysia (CGM) Nuclear Webinar Series took place on 6 August 2025 in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Malaysia. Titled “How Did France Reach 70% Nuclear Energy?”, this session explores the key benefits, specificities, and challenges of nuclear energy. Drawing from global experience, it outlines what makes nuclear unique as a power source, addresses common concerns surrounding its use, and offers an overview of current nuclear technology, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 

Opening the session, Dato’ Seri Ahmad Johan Mohammad Raslan highlighted the importance of informed, fact-based discussions on nuclear energy, noting the growing interest in Malaysia following the recent visit by YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, to a nuclear facility in France. He observed that nuclear energy is now widely discussed as both a climate and energy security solution, as countries signal clearer intentions to include it in their energy mix.

In his remarks, H.E. Axel Cruau, reaffirmed France’s readiness to support Malaysia’s energy transition through transparency, safety, and knowledge-sharing. He noted that over 70 percent of France’s electricity comes from nuclear energy, supported by more than 50 years of experience, a strong regulatory framework, a skilled workforce, and an independent industrial supply chain. He welcomed Malaysia’s recent visit to France, highlighting Electricité de France’s commitment to work closely with Malaysian stakeholders. He also observed France’s support for ASEAN power grid integration and regional cooperation in advancing low-carbon energy solutions.

Moving into the main presentation, Laurent Fabre illustrated the scale of the global fossil fuel challenge, pointing out that the coal, oil, and gas used each year could fit into three 2 km-wide cubes stacked on top of each other. In contrast, he highlighted that a single 1600-megawatt reactor could abate over 10 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. He then discussed global nuclear trends, noting that nuclear energy currently provides around 9 to 10 percent of global electricity, with approximately 440 reactors in operation. 

Nuclear energy is experiencing renewed momentum, supported by carbon reduction targets, energy diversification goals, and recent energy crises. Currently, 33 countries operate nuclear power plants, with major contributions from the United States, China, and France. With 65 reactors under construction worldwide, adding over 65,000 megawatts of capacity, growth is particularly strong in Asia and Africa, where many nations are pursuing nuclear ambitions. Global projections indicate capacity could triple by 2050 in line with international climate commitments.   

The presentation then shifted to explore why an increasing number of countries are turning to nuclear energy. Referencing a comparative global study, he noted that nuclear energy produces just 12 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour, placing it on par with renewables like solar and hydro. This stands in stark contrast to coal and gas, which emit around 800 and 400 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour respectively. While gas is often framed as a transition fuel, Laurent cautioned that its emissions reductions are modest and insufficient for achieving carbon neutrality. He suggested that only nuclear and renewables can offer low-carbon pathways to 2050 targets.

Beyond its minimal carbon emissions, Laurent outlined several other key advantages of nuclear energy, including its reliability. Nuclear power plants typically achieve capacity factors above 90%, providing stable baseload electricity. He added that nuclear power can also offer grid flexibility. For example, the output of a certain French reactor can be adjusted from full capacity to around 20–25% in under 30 minutes, allowing smoother integration with intermittent renewables. On security of supply, Laurent explained that nuclear fuel is highly dense, easy to store, and represents only a small share of operating costs, making it feasible to maintain substantial inventories. France, for instance, maintains 3–5 years of uranium supply from multiple sources, allowing flexibility to adjust imports if any supply source is disrupted.

Nuclear energy also demonstrates exceptional efficiency in land use, with large reactors requiring relatively small areas compared to solar or hydro, making it appealing for regions where land availability or competing land use is a concern. He also pointed to its economic benefits, noting France’s nuclear sector, which employs around 220,000 people and ranks as the nation’s third-largest industrial sector. A nuclear programme, he said, brings long-term, high-skilled jobs and regional development through supporting infrastructure. 

With this long-term commitment comes a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of safety and public confidence. Laurent introduced the “3S” framework—safety, security, and safeguards—as central to nuclear development. While past accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima raised concerns, he pointed to the industry’s 20,000 reactor-years of experience and modern designs built with safety in mind. Protection against external threats and the prevention of nuclear material misuse remain key priorities for agencies worldwide, forming an essential part of public acceptance and operating under strict regulation.     

Turning to costs, he explained that nuclear energy involves high upfront capital expenditure and long development cycles before any return on investment is realised. Though operating costs are low, capital expenditure typically accounts for over half of total generation costs, requiring careful financial planning and support such as government-backed low-interest loans.     

Another major challenge often raised is nuclear waste. He explained that nuclear waste is not pollution, distinguishing it from pollutants released into the atmosphere or water, which are uncontrolled. Nuclear waste is regulated, safely contained, and subject to stringent safety standards approved by regulators. Given the high energy density of nuclear power, the volume of waste generated per person over a lifetime is very small—comparable to a can of soft drink. While the waste is harmful, it remains under strict control, with proven management solutions developed over decades. Current developments include deep geological repositories already in operation in Finland and under construction in Sweden and France, designed to manage the most harmful spent fuel. He noted that there has never been a fatal accident recorded worldwide due to wrongful handling of nuclear waste.           

Laurent shifted focus to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a category gaining growing attention. Unlike traditional large reactors, SMRs are designed to be compact and modular, with key components manufactured in factories and assembled on-site. This approach aims to reduce construction risk, shorten timelines, and improve economic viability. Typically sized at 300–400 megawatts, SMRs are considered more adaptable to grids with lower capacity and offer safety features such as smaller emergency planning zones and semi-buried designs.

Over 100 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designs are under development globally, though most remain at the prototype or early construction stage. While the technology shows promise, a number of challenges remain, such as the absence of international regulatory frameworks and the need for robust safeguards. Smaller micro-reactors (1–10 megawatts), which may suit niche or remote applications face even greater hurdles for commercial deployment due to regulatory and safety concerns. He concluded by outlining three potential markets for SMRs: replacing ageing fossil fuel plants, providing behind-the-meter power for industrial users like data centres or heavy industries, and supporting countries with limited grid capacity.

Nuclear energy emerges as a low-carbon, high-reliability power source that can complement renewables and enhance energy security. Its efficient land use, potential to drive long-term economic and industrial development, and capacity for grid flexibility underscore its broader value. Upholding safety, security, and safeguards remains essential, alongside addressing financial and regulatory challenges. While large reactors are currently the most established option, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer future potential—particularly in contexts with limited grid capacity or specific industrial applications. 

The presentation concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Datuk NK Tong. The full session is available in the webinar recording.