New French Energy Minister Vows to Push Ahead with Fossil Fuel Transition Amidst Budget Shortage
Despite a mounting budget deficit, France’s new Energy, Environment and Climate Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher has reiterated her commitment to the country’s energy transition, reaffirming its four-pillar strategy: energy efficiency, nuclear power, renewable energy, and cleaner transportation, Bloomberg reports.
Pannier-Runacher, who previously held the energy transition portfolio, addressed the challenges ahead, acknowledging the need to balance ambitious climate goals with fiscal realities. She pledged to work with lawmakers across the political spectrum to secure funding for projects ranging from nuclear power stations and offshore wind farms to synthetic fuel plants and industrial emission reduction initiatives.
“Our energy and climate strategy is about both reducing pollution and controlling costs,” she said in her inaugural speech on Monday. “This means investing in home renovations, cleaner vehicles, and new energy sources.”
While Pannier-Runacher champions streamlined permitting for wind, solar, and nuclear projects, she faces a difficult political landscape. A hung Parliament with strong opposition to both nuclear and renewables presents significant hurdles.
Renewable energy lobbies are demanding concrete support for green investments in areas such as transport, manufacturing, energy storage, power grids, and renewables. Meanwhile, the French atomic industry, seeking to hire 100,000 employees over the next decade, requires government backing for expanded investment in nuclear fuel facilities and innovative small reactors.
Projects to produce clean hydrogen and synthetic fuels for decarbonizing key industries also await regulatory clarity and financial support.
The coming months will be crucial for Pannier-Runacher. She must secure funding for ambitious projects, navigate the political landscape, and establish a clear path for France’s energy and climate strategy, including its adaptation plan to global warming.
