France’s Nuclear Energy Transition: Turning Points in National Policy and Innovation

An informal teatime discussion organised by the Winton Programme and Energy@Cambridge hosted by Kathleen Araujo, Stony Brook University.

Abstract: Too often, discussion about the potential to change energy pathways centers on long timescales and the least-cost economics of near-term policy alternatives. While both aspects matter, they don’t fully reflect what can drive such change. This presentation examines the way in which France shifted to nuclear energy, with an emphasis on technology learning, policy change, and public engagement. Discussion will highlight how deeply entrenched incumbents require versatility in rapidly changing energy playing fields.

Biography: Dr. Kathleen Araújo is an assistant professor at Stony Brook University, and researcher at Brookhaven National Laboratory. She specializes in advanced energy pathways in the context of sociotechnical systems change, resilience and critical infrastructure. Dr. Araújo consults for inter-governmental organizations and has a forthcoming book, entitled Low Carbon Energy Transitions: Turning Points in National Policy and Innovation with Oxford University Press. She earned her Ph.D. at MIT , completing post-doctoral research at the Harvard Kennedy School in science, technology, and public policy.