Electricity in France in 2023

In 2023, France is making significant strides in clean electricity generation, with an impressive 91.58% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. Nuclear power is the dominant force behind this achievement, contributing about two-thirds of the total electricity. Hydropower and wind energy also play important roles, providing roughly 10% and 9% of the electricity, respectively. Meanwhile, fossil fuels account for a relatively small portion, around 8.42%, with gas being the primary contributor. Additionally, solar energy is making its presence felt, contributing about 4.5% to the electricity mix. France is also a notable net exporter of electricity, which helps neighboring countries reduce their emissions. As the next challenge, France aims to electrify other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, which will inevitably demand more electricity.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, France should focus on expanding its existing capacity, particularly in nuclear power. Given that nuclear energy already provides a large share of the country's electricity, building new reactors and extending the life of existing ones offers a reliable and scalable solution. Along with nuclear, further investments in wind and solar energy will help diversify the electricity mix and provide additional clean power. By focusing on these low-carbon technologies, France can not only meet future electricity demand but also continue to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in France shows a consistent commitment to nuclear energy starting in the late 1970s. Between 1980 and 1986, there was remarkable growth in nuclear electricity generation, with yearly increments ranging from about 21 TWh to 47 TWh. This expansion continued into the 1990s and early 2000s, with frequent substantial positive changes. However, there were notable declines in the late 2000s and 2010s, such as a decrease of 29.7 TWh in 2009 and 34.2 TWh in 2016. Particularly stark was the reduction of 45.2 TWh in 2020 and 84.6 TWh in 2022. Despite these setbacks, the trend has recently reversed, with nuclear power making a robust comeback by adding 40.9 TWh in 2023. Hydropower also saw significant changes, including a notable increase of 27.8 TWh in 1977 and a sharp decline of 29.9 TWh in 1989. This historical perspective underscores the importance of steady investment in low-carbon technologies to ensure sustained growth and stability in electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources