In a context of energy transition and industrial development, Jean-Christian Rey, president of the Gard Rhone agglomeration, presents his vision for the economic future of the territory. Through this meeting with our management, he returns to the issues surrounding hydrogen, small nuclear reactors (SMR/AMR) and territorial development.
A territory focused on industrial innovation
“Our objective is to create a new sector around hydrogen”explains Jean-Christian Rey, evoking the ambitions of the Rhone Gard. This territory, historically marked by industry, wishes to strengthen its energy capacities to attract new players. “We want to offer carbon-free energy to our local manufacturers, in order to reduce our carbon footprint and support the reindustrialization of the country”he adds. The hydrogen project aims to respond to these challenges, while diversifying the region's energy sources.
“Local industry has always been an economic engine. Today, hydrogen offers an opportunity to reinvent this engine to make it cleaner and more sustainable”affirms Jean-Christian Rey, emphasizing the importance of this transition for the entire region.
“If we want to succeed, this transition must happen with and for our manufacturers. Hydrogen is an ideal solution for decarbonizing, while ensuring an energy supply that is both stable and affordable. »
A model inspired by nuclear power
Jean-Christian Rey also draws a parallel with nuclear energy, an economic pillar of the region for decades.
“As we have been able to build a solid nuclear sector, our ambition is to develop a similar value chain around hydrogen”he specifies. The Rhone Gard has already proven that it can mobilize varied skills (engineers, boilermakers, specialists) and create a prosperous industrial ecosystem. “This same model could be duplicated with hydrogen, by integrating local players and allowing the region to remain economically competitive. »
Jean-Christian Rey also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between different economic and political actors: “It’s a real collective dynamic. We need a clear vision, a strong commitment from industry, but also political will at the local and national level for this project to succeed. »
Small nuclear reactors, a lever for the future
In addition to hydrogen, the president of the agglomeration underlines the importance of the development of small nuclear reactors (SMR and AMR) in the region. “We have suitable land and all the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these new generation technologies”he says. For Jean-Christian Rey, the installation of these reactors represents a tremendous opportunity to revive local energy production.
“Energy is poorly transported and stored. Having these reactors on site would be a major asset for our industry and our energy independence. »
He continues: “If we succeed in implementing these small reactors, this will allow us to once again become a key player in the energy sector, not only at national but also European level. This is a unique chance to revive industrial dynamics in the region. »
In nuclear power, the terms SMR and AMR designate innovative reactors.
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SMR (Small Modular Reactor)
These are small nuclear reactors, typically 300 MW or less, designed to be manufactured in a factory and transported to site for rapid installation. They offer greater flexibility of use, reduced costs and enhanced security. - AMR (Advanced Modular Reactor) These advanced modular reactors are a new generation of reactors using more innovative technologies, such as high-temperature coolants or advanced fuel cycles, to improve energy efficiency, safety and nuclear waste management.
These technologies aim to make nuclear energy more adaptable, safe and economical.
Attracting talent through innovative territorial marketing
However, the success of these projects depends on the region's ability to attract talent. “Recruitment is a major issue. We worked with business leaders to develop effective territorial marketing”underlines Jean-Christian Rey. The idea is to promote the assets of the Rhone Gard, in particular the quality of life, infrastructure, and services, in order to encourage new arrivals to settle there permanently. “The region must appeal not only with its job offer, but also with everything it can offer in terms of living environment, services and opportunities for families. »
“We have set up a real ecosystem to support new arrivals. Whether it is finding a job for the spouse, childcare solutions or even cultural and sporting activities, we have planned everything so that their installation takes place in the best conditions”details Jean-Christian Rey. “The attractiveness of the territory is a key factor in our development strategy. Talent must feel good here, want to stay, invest, build their future. »
The Gard Rhone agglomeration is clearly positioned as a territory with strong industrial potential, ready to embrace the new economic challenges linked to the energy transition. Thanks to ambitious projects such as hydrogen and small nuclear reactors, the region could well become an example to follow in terms of industrial innovation and decarbonization. Jean-Christian Rey is convinced of this: “If we manage to bring together the necessary skills, resources and attractiveness, the Rhone Gard will be a key player in the industry of the future. »
“These are long-term projects, but we have already laid the first stones. The fruits of these efforts will be seen in the years to come, and I am convinced that we will succeed in transforming this vision into reality”he concludes with optimism.
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