Electricity in France in 2023/2024

France's electricity landscape is highly commendable, with 96% of its electricity generated from low-carbon sources, positioning it as a leader in clean energy production globally. In the course of the past year, from November 2023 to October 2024, France has utilized its robust nuclear facilities to produce around two-thirds of its electricity, specifically about 67%. This reliance on nuclear has been complemented by hydropower, wind, and solar energy, contributing approximately 15%, 9%, and 4%, respectively. In stark contrast, fossil fuel-powered electricity accounts for just a small fraction of the total, less than 4%, with natural gas being the primary contributor in this category. Beyond its borders, France is a significant net exporter of electricity, a status that enables neighboring countries to reduce their carbon footprints. As the nation continues on its path toward sustainability, there is a foreseeable need to electrify sectors like transport, heating, and industry to meet rising energy demands.

Suggestions

To further extend its impressive low-carbon output, France might choose to focus on enhancing its nuclear capabilities further, a proven backbone of its energy strategy. Expanding existing nuclear facilities or building new ones could be a strategic move, fostering stable and reliable clean energy production that will support emerging demands. Enhanced adoption of wind and solar power provides additional avenues for development, especially in harnessing advancements in technology to optimize these sources' efficacy. These infrastructure investments could preemptively address anticipated energy surges needed for transitioning fully to electric modes of transportation and heating, ensuring a steady, sustainable supply of electricity nationwide.

History

Tracing the history of France's low-carbon electricity milestones unveils a pivotal expansion era in the 1980s, underscored by consecutive annual increments in nuclear power output, notably reaching gains of up to 47 TWh by 1984. This robust growth of clean energy was slightly interrupted by occasional declines, particularly in 1989 and more notably in more recent years, such as the sharp decrease in 2022 with an 85 TWh reduction, attributed to periods of reduced nuclear output. These declines underscore the criticality of maintaining and upgrading nuclear facilities to assure a continued trajectory toward zero-carbon electricity. A resurgence in 2023 has marked a positive turn, with nuclear generation bouncing back by nearly 41 TWh. Meanwhile, hydropower experienced a significant upswing between 2023 and 2024, showcasing the potential for accommodating a diverse array of low-carbon sources in the national grid.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources