France intends to accelerate the expansion of nuclear energy use and is now considering building eight new plants by 2050, compared to previous proposals to build six plants.

French Energy Transition Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher stated to the France Info radio network today, Monday, saying, "We need by 2050, 8 additional reactors or the capacity of 8 additional reactors."

Energy may also be generated from smaller modular reactors, instead of conventional power plants.

The French minister added, "Let's be clear directly: we are adding additional nuclear energy. This must be decided in 2024-2025 to be effective by 2050."

At the same time, France is also focusing on expanding renewable energies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Currently, the construction of 14 power plants or even more is being studied.

Unlike Germany, France continues to rely on nuclear energy to secure its energy supply and achieve climate protection goals.

The lifetime of existing power plants will also be extended from 40 to 50 years if safety inspections permit.

This is planned to apply to 32 of the 56 French nuclear power plants.