19 May 2022
France
France has a very low-carbon electricity mix owing to its large nuclear fleet, the second-largest after the United States. As an early leader in setting out an ambitious energy transition, France legislated a net zero emissions target for 2050 in its 2019 Energy and Climate Act. A national low-carbon strategy with 5-year carbon budgets and a multiannual plan for energy investments complement the long-term target.
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France plans to reduce the share of nuclear from 70% to 50% in its electricity mix by 2035 and close its last coal plants by 2022. Many nuclear reactors are reaching the end of their lifetime, which requires modernising those that can continue long-term operations under safe conditions. Maintaining security of the electricity system and a low-carbon footprint while reducing the share of nuclear energy will require investments in efficiency, renewable energy and enhanced and flexible power system operation. In 2021, the IEA and network operator RTE published a study on operating a power system with very high shares of variable renewables.
France imports all of its oil and gas needs and its oil and gas industry and infrastructure is adapting to low carbon fuels and electrification.
France imports all of its oil and gas needs and its oil and gas industry and infrastructure is adapting to low carbon fuels and electrification.
Last updated May 23, 2023
Key energy statistics
France data explorer
Analysis
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France 2021
Energy Policy Review
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France Natural Gas Security Policy
Part of Natural Gas Security Policy
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France Oil Security Policy
Part of Oil Security Policy
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France Electricity Security Policy
Part of Electricity Security Policy
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France Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
Part of Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
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Fuel economy in France
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Conditions and requirements for the technical feasibility of a power system with a high share of renewables in France towards 2050
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Renewables 2020
Analysis and forecast to 2025
Events
30 Nov 2021 17:45—18:30
In-Depth Review of France
14 Oct 2019
Energy Efficiency Training Week for Sub-Saharan Africa 2019
16 Jul 2019
Singapore-IEA Regional Training Programme on Green Buildings (16-18 July 2019)
Latest news
President Emmanuel Macron of France awards Legion of Honour to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol
At IEA conference, 46 governments endorse goal of doubling global energy efficiency progress by 2030
France needs to invest more in energy efficiency, renewables and nuclear to put itself on track for net zero by 2050, IEA policy review says
IEA welcomes G7 Leaders’ commitment to reach net zero by 2050
Policies
Policy
Country
Year
Status
Jurisdiction
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France 2023 In force National
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France 2022 In force National