France Unveils Ambitious Decade-Long Electrification Plan with Focus on Nuclear and Renewables

France Commits to Decarbonization with New Energy Law

France has officially introduced its third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE3), setting a strategic course for the nation's energy landscape from 2026 to 2035. This ambitious plan is designed to accelerate the electrification of the French economy, with a core objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The PPE3 emphasizes a dual approach, leveraging both nuclear power and renewable energy sources to drastically cut fossil fuel reliance and enhance energy sovereignty.

The program aims to increase decarbonized electricity production to between 650 and 693 TWh by 2035, a substantial rise from 458 TWh in 2023. Concurrently, it seeks to reduce fossil fuel consumption to approximately 330 TWh by 2035, down from 900 TWh in 2023. The share of decarbonized energy in France's final consumption is projected to reach 60% by 2030 and 70% by 2035.

Nuclear Renaissance at the Core of the Strategy

A significant pillar of the PPE3 is a renewed commitment to nuclear energy, signaling what some describe as a 'nuclear revival'. The plan formalizes the construction of six new EPR2 reactors, with an additional option for eight more EPR2 units. While the first new reactors are anticipated to come online as early as 2038, they will not contribute to the 2035 targets.

Furthermore, the PPE3 mandates the extended operation of France's existing fleet of 57 nuclear reactors, aiming to prolong their lifespan to 50 or even 60 years, subject to stringent safety requirements. This marks a departure from previous objectives, as the plan formally abandons the earlier goal of shutting down 14 reactors. The target for nuclear power production is set at 380-420 TWh per year between 2030 and 2035. State-owned power company EDF has expressed its full commitment to the PPE3, with its Chairman and CEO, Bernard Fontana, stating that the program allows EDF 'to move forward towards its objectives: to provide the French people, today and for future generations, with competitive, sovereign and low-carbon electricity.'

Renewable Energy Targets and Adjustments

While nuclear power takes a central role, renewable energy development remains a crucial component of France's electrification push. The PPE3 outlines specific targets across various renewable sectors:

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV): A target of 48 GW by 2030 and between 55 GW and 80 GW by 2035. These figures represent a reduction compared to earlier draft proposals.
• Onshore Wind: Capacity is planned to reach 31 GW by 2030 and between 35 GW and 40 GW by 2035, with a strategic focus on repowering existing wind farms.
• Offshore Wind: The target has been adjusted to 15 GW by 2035, with the previous 18 GW goal now set for 2037, reflecting a revised timeline to integrate industrial realities and grid connections.
• Hydropower: The plan includes an increase of 2.8 GW in dam capacity and the development of at least 1.7 GW of additional pumped storage.
• Hydrogen: France aims for up to 4.5 GW of electrolysers by 2030 and 8 GW by 2035.

Energy Minister Roland Lescure noted that the solar PV target for 2035 would correspond to three-quarters of the country's data center needs by then.

Economic Impact and Consultations

The implementation of the PPE3 is projected to create over 120,000 additional jobs by 2030, particularly within the nuclear, solar PV, and offshore wind sectors. The development of this comprehensive energy strategy followed extensive consultations initiated in 2022 with members of parliament, industry representatives, and local elected officials. President Emmanuel Macron had previously announced a 'rebirth' of France's nuclear industry in 2022, laying the groundwork for many of the nuclear provisions in the current PPE3.