Nuclear energy can support renewables as “the pillar” of any transition to low-carbon energy in France, Philippe Sasseigne, executive director in charge of nuclear and thermal fleet management at state-owned nuclear operator EDF said.In an interview with Paris-based nuclear society SFEN, Mr Sasseigne said extending the operating lifetimes of existing nuclear plants beyond 40 years is “the most effective and economical solution” to supporting the shift to a low-carbon economy.“We are convinced that the complementary nature of nuclear energy and renewable energies is an essential lever for the energy transition,” Mr Sasseigne said.