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The European pressurized-water reactor between narratives and policies: exploring the French nuclear reactor design with a feasibility framework to assess wider implications for France and the EU

Della Coletta, Simone LU (2023) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20232
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
With fossil fuel-dependencies affecting energy generation, and renewables being contextually limited by intermittency and dispatchability issues, this work explores European Pressurized-water Reactors (EPRs) as a nuclear-based climate mitigation measure in France and in the EU. Through its conceptual framework, this paper evaluates the technical potential of EPRs through the gate-keeping effect of initiative feasibility and narrative analysis. Policy findings, obtained through a mixed review of literature and supplementary publications, and narrative findings, acquired through content analysis of international news media in English, constitute the qualitative data subjected to examination. Despite unanimous negative narratives surrounding... (More)
With fossil fuel-dependencies affecting energy generation, and renewables being contextually limited by intermittency and dispatchability issues, this work explores European Pressurized-water Reactors (EPRs) as a nuclear-based climate mitigation measure in France and in the EU. Through its conceptual framework, this paper evaluates the technical potential of EPRs through the gate-keeping effect of initiative feasibility and narrative analysis. Policy findings, obtained through a mixed review of literature and supplementary publications, and narrative findings, acquired through content analysis of international news media in English, constitute the qualitative data subjected to examination. Despite unanimous negative narratives surrounding EPRs, especially regarding economic factors, a predominantly favorable French policy environment suggests that EPRs and nuclear can still constitute a viable option in France, while not exempt from risks. The same cannot be said for the rest of the Union where inadequate policies may disfavor such developments. Finally, policy recommendations and broader implications are also discussed. (Less)
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author
Della Coletta, Simone LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20232
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
EPR, nuclear, feasibility, narrative, policy, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2023:046
language
English
id
9140349
date added to LUP
2023-10-25 08:12:15
date last changed
2023-10-25 08:12:15
@misc{9140349,
  abstract     = {{With fossil fuel-dependencies affecting energy generation, and renewables being contextually limited by intermittency and dispatchability issues, this work explores European Pressurized-water Reactors (EPRs) as a nuclear-based climate mitigation measure in France and in the EU. Through its conceptual framework, this paper evaluates the technical potential of EPRs through the gate-keeping effect of initiative feasibility and narrative analysis. Policy findings, obtained through a mixed review of literature and supplementary publications, and narrative findings, acquired through content analysis of international news media in English, constitute the qualitative data subjected to examination. Despite unanimous negative narratives surrounding EPRs, especially regarding economic factors, a predominantly favorable French policy environment suggests that EPRs and nuclear can still constitute a viable option in France, while not exempt from risks. The same cannot be said for the rest of the Union where inadequate policies may disfavor such developments. Finally, policy recommendations and broader implications are also discussed.}},
  author       = {{Della Coletta, Simone}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{The European pressurized-water reactor between narratives and policies: exploring the French nuclear reactor design with a feasibility framework to assess wider implications for France and the EU}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}