As part of its initiative to decarbonise the energy grid, the European energy transition towards alternative energies presents a relevant field of inquiry within energy politics. This study delves into the discursive contestations between France and Germany about the energy transition, examining their influence on EU-wide approaches. Debates encompassing nuclear power's role and technological sovereignty considerations are central to the analysis. Germany’s focus on renewables contrasts France’s reliance on atomic energy as a low-carbon solution. Moreover, the discourse extends to the necessity of a cohesive European strategy for the energy transition, especially in response to global economic dynamics and the intention of achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the study explores the socio-economic impacts of the transition, with both countries striving to support their industries while ensuring competitive electricity pricing. It is manifested through initiatives such as the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The discussions are analysed through a constructivist lens, employing a discursive institutionalist method, examining the institutional context through ideas, agents and discursive interactions leading to collective actions. The thesis concluded that France’s greater assertiveness in debates around the RED III and the EMR secured the importance of nuclear power in the EU’s future energy transition efforts.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-69441 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Okur, Elias |
| Publisher | Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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