Energy war: the Siemens Energie affair could reshuffle the cards in the clash between France and Germany…

For years now, with tenfold determination since the Fukushima accident in 2011 and the decision by Germany, and more specifically its Chancellor Angela Merkel, to abandon nuclear power in favor of renewable energies and, above all, its indispensable companions gas and coal, the Germans have been trying in various ways to sabotage our nuclear industry. They’ve succeeded in doing so with some success, through the European institutions, notably the taxonomy (to classify sources as green or not), but also through the way electricity prices are calculated for the common electricity market.

We could also ask the question of the privatization of the electricity market and the privatization and dismantling of EDF in France imposed by Europe… Does it make sense to have a “competitive” market for a product that cannot be stored? Does it make sense to have companies that are “traders” and not electricity producers?

France, or at least its representatives, including the President and government, seems to have woken up to the nuclear industry, at least in speeches… Reality being stubborn, with geopolitical tensions linked to the war in Ukraine and soaring hydrocarbon prices, nuclear power is back in the spotlight, as a low-cost, low-carbon energy source, which is a good thing if we take into account the problems linked to climate change…

There are glimmers of hope, such as the European Commission’s acceptance that hydrogen produced by nuclear power will be considered as green hydrogen! (Le Figaro 13 février 23) It would appear, however, that a coalition of anti-nuclear European countries is now putting obstacles in the way of a swift conclusion to the electricity market review, with a strong likelihood that this group will be led by the Germans…

A reminder of these facts is not without purpose. A window of opportunity has just opened for France to capitalize on the competitive advantage conferred by its nuclear power generation. However, our pro-German governmental elites need to understand where our nation’s best interests lie! The Siemens energy group has made an announcement concerning its wind power division. Structural problems are leading to weak wind turbines that are not strong enough. The first consequence of this announcement was the collapse of its share price. (L’Opinion – 26 juin 2023). The announcement concerns 15 to 30% of the German fleet, and the consequence will be the need for massive recourse to fossil fuels to compensate…

It’s in our interest to get out of the European electricity agreement now! Indeed, it’s time to give our industry a clear, competitive edge, as any reindustrialization project will be impossible without it! Let me remind you that prosperity and sustainable industrial development are only possible if we have access to an abundant and inexpensive source of energy… Let’s take advantage of our ability to produce energy in quantity and become an electricity exporter once again, particularly vis-à-vis Germany. Let’s sell it at the price of the electricity produced by the latest gas-fired power plant, which will enable us to redress our balance of trade!

It’s the perfect opportunity to twist Germany’s arm and at last promote our economy through our manufacturers! Indeed, as Mr. Loïk Le Floch Prigent, to get back to cheap electricity, we have to get rid of the demands of Brussels and therefore of the German diktat! Will we seize the opportunity…