For what? For nuclear power expansion!

Six new nuclear power plants and the extension of the operating lives of old reactors are intended to secure the power supply in France. But there are already staffing problems.

In view of the planned expansion of nuclear power, France will need 100,000 new skilled workers within the next ten years.

This requirement was calculated by the French Atomic Energy Industry Association, as announced by the Ministry of Economy. Some of the experts retiring would have to be replaced, while others would be additional positions.

France initially wants to build six new nuclear power plants and examine the construction of eight additional reactors. In addition, the operating life of existing power plants is to be extended to more than 40 years.
President Emmanuel Macron announced a renaissance in nuclear power just over a year ago, after years of subdued support and willingness to invest in nuclear power.

As a result, the industry is already struggling with staffing problems. In the fall, about 100 skilled workers from U.S. power plant builder Westinghouse were hired to maintain French reactors.

Skilled workers for around 80 professions in particular demand

The planned construction of the new nuclear power plants will increase the industry’s workload by a quarter, the nuclear energy industry report says. In addition to the construction of the new nuclear power plants and the maintenance of existing ones, additional work will also be required in the processing of uranium, the handling of radioactive waste and the dismantling of shut-down reactors, it said. The report also includes the French share in the construction of reactors in the UK and India.

Industry representatives provide an overview of a good 80 occupations that will be in particularly high demand in the coming years.

For metalworkers, the number of new hires is expected to increase by 140 percent, and for female engineers by as much as 220 percent, they said. “We will be hiring at all levels, from skilled high school graduates to engineers,” the Ministry for Energy Transition announced.

In addition to the shortage of skilled workers, other challenges are hampering nuclear expansion in France. Corrosion damage, for example, is slowing down the operation of aging power plants. This could lead to problems with the lifetime extension.

Meanwhile, France has extended its government-subsidized price brake on electricity until early 2025. Electricity production has been lower than expected, so electricity prices remain very high, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said. Due to delayed maintenance work and line cracks in several nuclear power plants, the plants had produced less electricity than ever before last year.

Why france needs so much electricity out of nuclear power and what is the energy strategy of france?

France relies heavily on nuclear power for electricity generation due to historical, economic, and geopolitical reasons. In the 1970s, France faced a severe energy crisis and decided to invest heavily in nuclear power as a way to achieve energy independence and reduce its reliance on imported oil. Today, France generates around 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, which is one of the highest percentages in the world.

France’s energy strategy is based on the use of a diversified mix of energy sources, including nuclear, renewable, and fossil fuels. While France has made efforts to increase its use of renewable energy in recent years, such as wind and solar power, the country continues to rely on nuclear power as a key component of its energy mix.

France’s energy strategy is also influenced by geopolitical factors. As a country with limited domestic fossil fuel reserves, France seeks to maintain energy security by relying on a mix of energy sources, including nuclear power, which can provide a reliable and stable supply of electricity.

Despite the benefits of nuclear power, there are also concerns about its safety and environmental impact, particularly in light of recent nuclear accidents, such as the Fukushima disaster in Japan. France has taken steps to address these concerns, such as improving safety standards and investing in research on nuclear waste management and decommissioning.

Overall, France’s energy strategy is a complex and evolving mix of economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. While nuclear power remains a key component of France’s energy mix, the country has also made efforts to diversify its energy sources and address concerns about nuclear safety and environmental impact.

What kind of jobs they offer and how much i can earn?

The nuclear energy industry in France requires a diverse range of professionals with a variety of skills, including engineers, scientists, technicians, project managers, and administrative personnel. Some of the specific jobs needed in the nuclear energy industry in France include:

1. Nuclear engineers: They design and develop nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.
2. Nuclear physicists: They study the behavior of atomic particles and their interactions to help improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants.
3. Radiological protection technicians: They ensure that workers and the public are protected from the harmful effects of radiation.
4. Reactor operators: They monitor and control nuclear reactors to ensure their safe and efficient operation.
5. Maintenance technicians: They perform regular maintenance and repairs on nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.
6. Project managers: They oversee the planning and execution of nuclear energy projects, including construction and maintenance.
7. Administrative personnel: They provide support for the day-to-day operations of nuclear energy facilities.

As for salaries, the amount you can earn will depend on the specific job, your level of education and experience, and the company you work for. However, according to Payscale.com, the average salary for a nuclear engineer in France is around 50,000-70,000 euros per year, while the average salary for a reactor operator is around 40,000-50,000 euros per year. It’s important to note that these are just averages and that actual salaries may vary depending on individual circumstances.