France stands as a remarkable leader in clean electricity generation, with over 94% of its electricity derived from low-carbon sources. This achievement is primarily driven by nuclear energy, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the electricity mix, followed by substantial contributions from hydropower and wind, making up almost a fifth combined. Fossil energy use is minimal, at just over 5%, with gas and biofuels contributing smaller shares. With such a robust low-carbon infrastructure, France also plays a pivotal role as a net exporter of electricity, aiding neighboring countries in lowering their own emissions. Moving forward, the challenge remains to electrify other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, which demands an even greater supply of clean electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in France?
Reflecting on electricity consumption trends, it's evident that France's electricity usage is not currently on the rise. In 2024, average electricity consumption per person stood at approximately 8395 kWh, showing a decline from the 2004 peak of 9384 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a reduction, from a previous record of 8432 kWh per person in 2004 to 7912 kWh in 2024. These declines suggest a worrying trend at a time when an increase in clean electricity is pivotal for supporting numerous sectors transitioning towards electrification, hence contributing to significant emission reductions.
Suggestions
To accommodate this pressing need for more low-carbon electricity, France should consider boosting its existing nuclear capacity. Nuclear power is not only a cornerstone of France's low-carbon electricity generation but a reliable and scalable option for expanding clean energy supply. Alongside nuclear, solar energy offers vast opportunities for growth due to its rapid advancements and lowering costs. Together, these sources can form a powerful duo in securing France's future energy needs sustainably, bolstering its role as a clean energy leader while providing the foundation for electrification in other sectors.
History
France’s historic achievements in low-carbon electricity have been characterized by multiple significant developments. In the early 1980s, a vigorous expansion of the nuclear fleet marked substantial progress, with annual increases in nuclear electricity generation peaking at over 40 TWh in 1984. However, recent years have seen declines, notably in 2016 and 2022, when nuclear output shrank by 34.2 TWh and 84.6 TWh, respectively, reflecting a notable concern amidst the broader clean electricity landscape. Fortunately, significant rebounds have been made, as seen in 2023 and 2024, with noteworthy growths of 43.5 and 41.1 TWh. Looking forward, maintaining a consistent and strong growth trajectory in nuclear and other low-carbon investments would decisively influence both national and regional sustainability goals.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.