France to Boost Electricity Production: Nuclear & Renewables by 20%

France is aiming to increase electricity generation from nuclear and renewable sources by 20% over the next decade, a plan unveiled as the government seeks to transition away from fossil fuels, Finance Minister Roland Lescure announced this week. The initiative, formalized through a newly enacted energy planning law (PPE), follows years of political debate and represents a significant shift in the nation’s energy strategy. The new PPE, enacted as a decree due to the government’s lack of a parliamentary majority, replaces a previous plan that proposed closing 14 of France’s 57 nuclear reactors. President Macron’s 2022 commitment revitalized the country’s nuclear sector, reversing earlier trends toward reduction. The decree’s passage marks the finish of four years of political hesitation, during which successive governments delayed decisive action on nuclear policy. The government aims to decarbonize electricity production to 585 terawatt-hours by 2030, up from the current 540 TWh, and to have 70% of its energy consumption powered by decarbonized electricity by 2035. This transition will require substantial investment and support measures, including subsidies for electric vehicles. France’s energy strategy now combines nuclear power with renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy. While the plan emphasizes nuclear, it does include a commitment to renewables, though the country has recently slashed its wind and solar power targets. The new energy law eases pressure on EDF, the state-run firm, by dropping a mandate to shutter nuclear plants. The announcement of the PPE was made at an EDF hydroelectric dam, with ministers Roland Lescure and Monique Barbut present. The plan’s details outline France’s power mix goals and address wind and solar projects for the next ten years. Facing high national debt, the government has committed to decarbonizing electricity production. Finance Minister Lescure will discuss support with industry leaders as part of the implementation of the electrification plan. The energy planning law also includes provisions for a review of targets aligned with the next Presidential election in 2027.