Paris, February 11 (IANS) French President Emmanuel Macron has presented his country’s goal of achieving carbon-free energy by 2050, beginning with the use of more renewable and nuclear energy.

Speaking in Belfort, north-eastern France, Macron outlined measures including the construction of solar parks, underwater wind farms and six European pressurized nuclear reactors (EPR2), reports Xinhua news agency.

He said an additional eight EPR2 nuclear reactors should be operational by 2035.

To achieve this, the French government will provide financial support for construction projects, as well as bring together public and local institutions to work on the Sustainable Development Goals.

France must take back control of its energy destiny, Macron said, stop relying on foreign fossil energy imports and advance France’s energy industries.

“Tomorrow’s world will be more electric,” he said.

To help reduce emissions, the French government already offers grants of up to 5,000 euros ($5,750) to help citizens buy electric cars.

“France should be able to produce more than 60 percent of its electrical energy to meet the targets set for 2050,” he said.

He said that despite being “behind” in matters of renewable energy, France is capable of going carbon-free by 2050.

At the One Ocean Summit in the city of Brest on February 9-11, Macron will hold talks with heads of state and government, leaders of multilateral institutions, business leaders and civil society policymakers to discuss sustainable development commitments.

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/macron-presents-frances-goals-for-achieving-carbon-free-energy-by-2050/89516693