Well above the European average, France derives almost 80 percent of its electricity from its 58 nuclear reactors. The country's first atomic power station began operating near Colmar, close to the German border, in 1977. Now, almost thirty years on, France has had to decide whether to replace its ageing nuclear plants or follow in Germany's footsteps.

In 2000, Germany became the first leading economic power officially to announce plans to phase out use of nuclear energy. The country's second-largest plant, at Stade on the Elbe (pictured), was the first to go.

But France has taken an entirely different approach.

The German factor

Experts say the new French reactors, known as the European Pressurized Water Reactor, are more efficient, safer and environmentally sound than the current models. Much to the chagrin of Berlin's environmentalist Greens, German company Siemens and French firm AREVA have been developing the EPR prototype since 1992.

But the decision to go ahead with the project in Flamanville announced Thursday is good news for the joint Siemens-AREVA subsidiary Framatome in Erlangen, Germany, which employs some 1,600 staff.

"It will have a positive effect on the region's job market," said company spokesman Christian Wilson Friday.

Cheaper, stronger, better?

The plant, expected to cost at least €3 billion ($3.8 billion), "will help guarantee European independence over the next few decades" said Pierre Gadonneix, president of Electricité de France. Energy supply is a serious concern in a country with limited domestic energy resources and therefore reliant on imports. It's one reason why the government has traditionally supported investment in nuclear power.

EDF pointed out that the 2nd generation reactors could generate 1600 megawatts of electricity, compared to 900 for current reactors, need less regular recharging and have a life-span of 60 years. The company also claims that they would be able to withstand the impact of an aircraft flown by terrorists.

The center-right government, meanwhile, argues that EPR is the most strategic response to the rising cost of oil.

Swimming against the eco-tide

Critics of the plan, however, argue that investing in nuclear power has had its day.

"This technology is obselete for political reasons that have no connection with a rational, properly thought-out energy policy," said a statement by the French office of environmental group Greenpeace.

Surveys also show that a growing percentage of the French population would like to see an end to use of nuclear power.

Flamanville as site of the new plant was chosen by Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy (photo) because the region supports use of nuclear energy. The alternative location, Penly near Dieppe, was ruled out in reaction to local protests.