France will (finally) adopt a new energy roadmap

What is the purpose of the PPE?

The Multiannual Energy Programme, or PPE, is a strategic document that defines how France will consume and produce its energy in the coming decade, to heat homes, run factories or power vehicles.

The stakes are enormous. Fossil fuels (oil and gas) still account for 60% of the country's energy consumption. "The urgent need" is to "move away from them as quickly as possible," reiterated Maud Bregeon, the government spokesperson in the National Assembly.

They cost France 64 billion euros in imports in 2024, fuel global warming and keep the country dependent on third countries, especially Russia or the United States.

The goal is to increase the share of decarbonized energy in French consumption to 60% by 2030. France has an advantage: its electricity is already 95% decarbonized, thanks to nuclear, hydroelectric and, now, wind and solar power.

The PPE must now set the course for the next 10 years. It is about saying "how we intend to produce and ensure this energy independence through French production", indicates Sébastien Lecornu's entourage.

In other words, what share for each sector: nuclear, wind, solar, hydroelectric, green gases, geothermal...

This visibility is crucial for manufacturers and regions, who need to anticipate investment, skills and job needs.

The Prime Minister's office has assessed the cost of the multi-year energy plan (PPE), which is dependent on energy prices. If prices are low, it will cost the government around €115 billion over 45 years. If prices are high, the savings for public finances will be €35 billion.

The PPE must also ensure the country a slight overproduction of electricity, in order to "guarantee its security of supply" but also to support the purchasing power of households and the competitiveness of businesses, Matignon emphasizes.

The Prime Minister promises that thanks to his "ambitious supply strategy", the price of electricity, a politically volatile subject since the 2022 crisis, "will not increase in France".

Why the long delay?

The government had planned to introduce a bill in early 2024, before abandoning the idea in the face of the "religious war" between pro-renewables and pro-nuclear factions in Parliament. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance then opted for a decree, deemed faster and more efficient. However, the political crisis triggered by the dissolution of Parliament in the summer of 2024 has complicated matters.

The National Rally (RN), which had demanded legislation, used the government's adoption by decree as grounds for censure. It criticized the government's perceived over-favored positioning of renewable energy sources, which it accused of requiring significant public subsidies. As recently as Monday, Marine Le Pen, leader of the RN's parliamentary group, warned that its publication "would be a serious mistake on the part of the Prime Minister."

This third multi-year energy program has been the subject of numerous studies and consultations involving stakeholders, experts, and elected officials. As a result, the government now wants to finalize its plan. "This multi-year energy program had to be released; it's been pending for three years, and there have been many consultations," emphasizes a source close to the Prime Minister.

What are the main directions?

A "compromise" text is expected to emerge, following the final consultations conducted by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Roland Lescure, with parliamentary groups and energy sectors.

The PPE will set production targets by energy type for 2030, then 2035. Whereas the previous version (2019-2024) planned to close nuclear reactors, the PPE "is pushing hard on nuclear power while preserving the strategy in renewables", a source at Bercy summarizes.

Sébastien Lecornu indicated that six new generation EPR type nuclear reactors would be "included in the PPE and eight additional ones as an option", in accordance with Emmanuel Macron's promises in 2022.

On the renewable energy front, he promised investments "in offshore wind, solar photovoltaics, geothermal energy," and onshore wind. However, since the latter is "sometimes a source of local conflict," priority will be given to increasing the capacity of existing wind turbines rather than building new ones.

While generally reassured, the renewable energy sector nevertheless warned: with 30 gigawatts already installed in solar and 10 GW authorized, a target that is too low for 2030 would be considered a moratorium.

The slowdown in onshore wind and solar power also reflects the context of electricity overcapacity and stagnant demand. The government is therefore considering linking the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) to a major plan for the electrification of energy uses (mobility, buildings, industry) to accelerate the transition of these sectors, which are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

This will be subject to consultations and its publication will take place after the municipal elections, according to Sébastien Lecornu's entourage.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.