France is to build its 60th nuclear reactor with aim of becoming net exporter of electricity

French president Nicolas Sarkozy has announced plans to build a second EPR nuclear reactor in France.


President Sarkozy

The proposed European Pressurised Water Reactor would bring the total number of nuclear plants in the country to 60. Details of when or where it would be built have not been released.

Speaking after a visit to an industrial site today, Sarkozy said France could become a net exporter of electricity in spite of having no oil or gas.

The country’s first EPR reactor in Flamanville, northern France is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.