Call for tougher nuclear rules

FRENCH prime minister François Fillon has called for stronger international safety checks on nuclear energy in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.

Visiting Bugey nuclear reactor in the Ain, FIllon emphasised the importance of nuclear safety and said France remained committed to the future of nuclear power.

He called for a "responsible" approach and urged critics not to engage in black-and-white thinking.

Fillon said: "France must continue to benefit from this energy source while complementing it with renewable energy and ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities."

Nuclear power faces increased criticism from the Socialist party. Martine Aubry says France should commit to ending its use of nuclear power.

She said: "With what happened in Fukushima, things can't be as they have been previously."

EDF says it is committed to extending its use of renewable energy. This week, a hydro-electric turbine will be placed near Paimpol-Bréhat (Côtes d'Armor) for testing. These under-water turbines make use of tidal currents beneath the surface of the sea.

The turbine will be tested over a two-month period and it is anticipated that four tidal turbines will be in place by 2012.

The tidal turbines, 16 metres in diameter, 21 metres in height and 700 tonnes in weight, produce enough electricity to power 2,000 homes.