“Nuclear power is an historic chance for our country (France)…The strength of the French nuclear sector is an asset for the competitiveness of the French economy… It is an exceptional chance in times of crisis… Nuclear power is also key to our energy independence…The current environmental debate confirms and encourages our country’s energy choices. Some environmentalists are now reconsidering the nuclear option because it is a low-carbon energy source. More than ever nuclear energy appears as a lever for a pragmatic and ambitious global energy policy.” French Prime Minister, François Fillon, at the inauguration ceremony for Areva NC’s Georges Besse II on 18 May