In our country it was decided not to know

The France decided to turn the page of the same before shale gas of it have opened. Some studies show that in Europe, the two countries have the most potential in this area are the France and the Poland. In our country, it was decided not to know. It is a little surprising because it is something to explore what contains the basement and it is another to exploit these deposits. It is true that there has been in the United States of unscrupulous operators on environmentally and it is wise to give time. Hence to conclude that never can develop clean technologies to exploit shale gas, there is a step as a scientist I do not franchirais. The France freeze the price of gas on one side and the other refuses to produce shale gas. I remind that if natural gas is cheap in the United States, it is unconventional gas.

We are ready to discuss until June 30 to try to find a formula that would mitigate the effects of the increase in oil to French consumers while being in compliance with the law. It is duty to pass in the tariffs the costs of supply. At the same time, we are aware that it should maintain the purchasing power of the French. There is an equation which is not simple. But we will make proposals to the Government. Since July 1, it should not be in a legal vacuum. We need a clear rule of the game.

This will depend on the willingness of the authorities. It should be soon. If a new framework on July 1, we will be in a situation of illegality.

Should increase the share of market in the form as prices proposed by the regulator

The regulator mentioned this idea, via an extension of the perimeter of calculation of the formula over the long term contracts. The public service contract we are asked to ensure the security of supply for the French, we have always done even when Russians have cut off the supply of gas during the winter of 2009. This security of supply is based on contracts long term. They have also allowed the French to benefit from price of natural gas among the cheapest in Europe for more than 35 years. Now, some evoke the idea of going on the spot markets. But on the spot market, you may have problems to provide gas because the volumes on these markets represent only 10 to 15 of the needs. Prices are also very volatile. Since January 1, 2010, spot market prices have increased by 60 in Europe! In the past, the share of market in the formula prices was void since 100 of contracts were indexed to long-term oil. Following our renegotiations with our suppliers, we were able to introduce 10 of market price.Consumers fully benefited because there was no increase in winter.

A part of public opinion considers that GDF Suez could also make an effort, taking into account of profits

Many think that one earns money by selling gas to individuals then that this is not true. Movements tariff are a reflection of our costs, increasing downward and in no case do allow us to increase our margins, what always validated the CRE. The price of gas in France is one of the most competitive in Europe. It said that prices have increased by 20 over the last twelve months but we forget that they had decreased by 10 the previous year! We want a dialogue and fair treatment.

Regarding electricity, do you prefer a deferral of the Nome Act or an award from the Arenh to 40 euros the megawatt-hour

The two are very bad. In Europe, the Commission requested electricity producers to transfer assets to develop competition. In Belgium, we thus sold to EDF nuclear capabilities. With the Nome, the France Act has made a different choice, that preserves the integrity of the historical operator but imposed upon him to sell part of its nuclear electricity to its competitors. We did not challenge this decision. But that the France is neither one nor the other, it is absolutely unthinkable! I can't imagine that a law passed in November does not apply seven months later.

So in a spirit of consensus, you are ready to accept a price of 40 euros

What I see, is that demand for 42 euros the MWh made by EDF mechanically result increases in rates for the French to about 30 by 2015. However, our application for 35 euros is neutral for the evolution of tariffs. It would be contradictory to engage on increases in rates of 30 in electricity at the time where it decides to freeze the price of gas.

Could not the catastrophe of Fukushima justify deferral

Normally, no. It is not today what will be the necessary security investment, and will the be that at the end of the testing of nuclear power plants in 2012. When they become known, will be financed with cash from the public operator, and then his cash flow, its balance sheet, and finally only rates. Not the reverse. It can therefore start with an Arenh and 35 euros a year, according to the needs, the Government can very well evolve. This decision would have no effect of puncture on the purchasing power.

What impact the disaster might have on GDF Suez

It is too early to say. If there should be consequences for nuclear energy, which cannot be excluded, GDF Suez would be relatively spared. The atom is only 10 of our electricity. However, we expect increased demand for gas.A decrease in the contribution of nuclear power would give a space to natural gas. The movement has already started. To compensate for the shutdown of reactors, the Germany and the Japan are turning gas-fired plants. In Europe, there is already a rebound in prices.

For some, renewable energy will be the big winners of the new deal...

It is an idea received, but it is widely misleading. In Europe, the wind conditions are that the turbines do work while 25 of the time. Need us therefore to other means of production to offset their intermittent nature. It is the case of a combined-cycle gas plant, the way to the more flexible production today, whose power can go from zero to 430 megawatts in 1 hour 15. On the other hand, the gas emits three times less than coal greenhouse gas.

No Belgian political party changed its mind on nuclear power and the State is committed to take the legislative provisions to extend the life of power plants in 10 years. Even in the absence of legislation, they may be extended by a royal decree if there is a risk to security of supply in the country. In technical terms, expect to see the results of the tests of resistance, in 2012. But this is not the age that will determine the holding of the reactors. For example, all our nuclear power plants are equipped with double walls.