Nuclear power, an unavoidable solution
For SUEZ, the importance of nuclear power in Europe's energy mix continues to offer unavoidable prospects and guarantees, both in terms of energy supply and reduction of greenhouse gases to ward off climate change. It is both sustainable and economically competitive, being only marginally affected by fluctuations in raw material prices and having stable production costs. Nuclear energy could also offer a way for the European Union to meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments. With zero greenhouse gas emissions, it could avoid emission of 300 million metric tons of CO2 each year, equivalent to half of the emissions from Europe's automobiles.Currently, 12% of SUEZ generating capacity is from the Belgian Doel and Tihange nuclear power plants, run by Electrabel. The Group also has interests in the Chooz and Tricastin plants in France. SUEZ has made a priority of keeping the nuclear power plants in operation for so long as safety conditions are met and economic benefits accrue. The Group has fixed several objectives to ensure the safety of its nuclear installations: maintaining of optimum safety conditions; permanent watching brief on new technologies; improving power plant reliability; ensuring sustainable removal and storage of radioactive wastes; and strengthening of internal power plant operating and engineering skills.
