France already gets more than 95% of its electricity from low-carbon sources—an impressive achievement. Over the twelve months from October 2025 through September 2026, nuclear supplied about two-thirds of electricity, hydropower 11%, wind 9%, solar 7% and biofuels roughly 2%. Fossil fuels supplied less than 5%, including about 3% from gas. France is also a significant net electricity exporter, helping neighboring regions lower their emissions. Its next challenge is to electrify transport, heating and industry, which will require much more clean electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in France?

The latest figures do not show France surpassing its historical electricity consumption or low-carbon generation records. Electricity consumption in 2026 stood at about 8,400 kWh per person, compared with the 2004 record of roughly 9,400 kWh—around 970 kWh, or 10%, lower. Low-carbon electricity generation reached about 8,000 kWh per person, around 405 kWh, or 5%, below its 2004 peak. These shortfalls are concerning given the additional electricity needed for electrification and growing digital demand. However, comparisons with historical peaks alone do not establish whether electricity consumption or generation increased in the latest year.

Suggestions

France can increase low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its established nuclear fleet, extending the operation of existing reactors where approved, increasing their output and building additional reactors. Nuclear already supplies most of the country’s electricity, providing a strong foundation for further clean electricity growth. Faster solar deployment would complement that expansion, while investment in grids and storage would help deliver more electricity to households, transport and industry. Together, nuclear and solar can support rising demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and their climate and air-pollution impacts.

History

France’s low-carbon electricity history features exceptional growth followed by substantial setbacks and recoveries. Hydropower generation rose by about 28 TWh in 1977. The nuclear expansion of the 1980s brought annual increases of roughly 21–47 TWh in the listed years, including gains of 44 TWh in 1981 and 47 TWh in 1984. In 1989, a nuclear increase of about 28 TWh largely offset a 30 TWh hydropower decline. Further nuclear gains of around 20–30 TWh followed in 1993, 1996 and 2000. Later nuclear declines were deeply disappointing setbacks for clean electricity supply: about 30 TWh in 2009, 34 TWh in 2016, 64 TWh in 2020 and 82 TWh in 2022. Recoveries included about 19 TWh in 2010 and 25 TWh in 2021, followed by particularly encouraging gains of roughly 42 TWh in 2023 and 41 TWh in 2024. Sustaining that recovery and returning to durable growth should be a priority.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Oct 2025 – Sep 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.