France to build up to 14 new nuclear reactors by 2050, says Macron

French president says renaissance' of atomic energy industry will help end country's reliance on fossil fuels

Emmanuel Macron has announced a renaissance" for the French nuclear industry with a vast programme to build as many as 14 new reactors, arguing that it would help end the country's reliance on fossil fuels and make France carbon neutral by 2050.

What our country needs ... is the rebirth of France's nuclear industry," Macron said in a speech in the eastern industrial town of Belfort, in which he lauded the country's technological prowess.