RTE, the operator of high voltage lines, recently submitted its report on supply-demand balance electricity. here’s why “vigilance” is valid until 2024.
How is electricity consumption changing?
France consumed 460 billion kilowatt-hours last year. This figure was down due to the slowdown in economic activity. But according to RTE, the manager of high-voltage lines, consumption should pick up again this year, under the effect of the recovery, without returning to its pre-crisis level. RTE is however worried about the supply for the next three winters.
Why this worry?
Because part of the nuclear fleet, which provides 70% of electricity production, will be temporarily shut down, due to scheduled maintenance every ten years. About fifteen reactors (out of 56) are concerned. However, the first confinement delayed the schedules. Likewise, the reduction in activity has slowed down the deployment of new wind and solar installations ”,
writes RTE. As for the Flamanville EPR (Manche), it should not be commissioned before the end of 2022.
What about Brittany?
It imports 80% of the electricity it consumes. The commissioning of the Landivisiau gas plant (Finistère) in early 2022 should rebalance the situation. There remains uncertainty about the fate of the Cordemais coal-fired power station (Loire-Atlantique). Will it close by 2022 like all coal-fired power stations? EDF is negotiating with the government to convert the plant, replacing charcoal with wood. We still have to find the money. In the meantime, for RTE, the maintenance after 2022 of the Cordemais power station or its conversion to biomass appears necessary to guarantee the balance of the system in Brittany ”.
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