Paris, France (September 8, 2025) — The We Are Innovation global network just published a new report on “The French Nuclear Model and Its International Impact,” addressing why France chose energy independence and built a nuclear empire in the process. The document was authored by Ani Bigvava, a postgraduate at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, who holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Georgia and has an academic background complemented by advanced studies and research engagements at prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford and Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
This is We Are Innovation’s second published report on nuclear energy. The first one came out last February and analyzed topics such as international trends for the revival of nuclear power around the world, the increasing popularity of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the interest shown toward nuclear energy by some big tech companies. The new report, on its hand, focuses on the specific scenario of France.
France currently gets 70 percent of its electricity from nuclear energy. The main reason why this is happening lies in the country’s plan not to be dependent on foreign energy. By turning to nuclear power, France can ensure a reliable and steady source of electricity, while establishing its position as the world’s largest net energy exporter and keeping production costs low. French companies like EDF (Électricité de France) and Orano are global leaders in nuclear energy and French reactors are known for their advanced technology and safety features.
France’s National Energy Policy Framework is based on three main principles – security of supply, environmental protection and responsible management of radioactive waste. The country’s main nuclear safety authority is ASN (Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire), which creates the rules that govern nuclear safety, with the IRSN (the French Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety) frequently checking the conditions of nuclear facilities. At the moment, France has 57 nuclear reactors and 17 percent of its electricity comes from recycled nuclear fuel. The reactors are used for both constant base-load power but also in load-following mode, which means they are adjusted throughout the day to match electricity demand.
Furthermore, France is extremely cautious about the spread of nuclear weapons and international rules. It only exports third-generation nuclear reactors, which are harder to misuse for making weapons, and must show all agreements to the European Commission before signing them. The threat of nuclear or radiological terrorism is also taken very seriously, especially considering the country’s recent story of terrorist attacks,
Ani Bigvava, the author of the report, comments: “France proves that nuclear power can deliver security, affordability, and low-carbon energy — a model with important implications for countries facing today’s energy challenges.”
The full report is available for download on the We Are Innovation website. We Are Innovation is a global network dedicated to analyzing emerging trends in technology, energy, and innovation policy. WAI continues its research on nuclear energy developments worldwide, with additional reports planned for the future.
ENDS
ABOUT WE ARE INNOVATION
We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who deeply believe in innovation’s power to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With over 50 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs based worldwide, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, adopting new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are driving global transformative change. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/.
