Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE): publication of the decree in the Official Journal and reactions from the sector

This regulatory text sets out the main directions of national energy policy, particularly in terms of energy transition, development of renewable energies and reduction of carbon emissions.

Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) 2026-2035: priorities, nuclear and renewables at the heart of the energy strategy

"The decree sets out the multi-year energy program, which defines the priorities for action of the public authorities for the management of forms of energy on the mainland territory of metropolitan France over the period 2026-2035," it is stated in the Official Journal.

The highly anticipated 2026-2035 Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) was unveiled on Thursday. It aims to address, by 2035, the major challenges of energy sovereignty and decarbonization in France, within the context of energy transition and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Reviving low-carbon electricity and adjusting renewables

The government is emphasizing the revival of low-carbon electricity consumption, particularly from nuclear power, in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which are expensive to import. However, this strategic direction is accompanied by a slower deployment of onshore wind and solar power, in a context marked by stagnant electricity demand.

The decree specifies that "the capacities to be allocated or contracted for renewable electricity production facilities after (December 31, 2028) will, where appropriate, be adjusted taking into account in particular the evolution of electricity consumption, the development of means of producing decarbonized electricity and the development of decarbonized flexibilities".

It is also stated that "A simplified review of the multi-year energy program may be launched for this purpose in 2027".

Furthermore, "for onshore wind power, the renewal of existing parks will be prioritized", reflecting a desire to modernize existing facilities rather than significantly increasing the number of new projects.

The decree also states that "the government will publish by the end of 2026 a report on the evolution of electricity consumption, the development of means of producing decarbonized electricity and the development of decarbonized flexibilities".

Nuclear power: a massive boost to reach the 2030 targets

This third PPE (Multi-year Energy Program) formalizes a massive revival of nuclear power, a decarbonized but complex energy to implement — breaking with the previous PPE (2019-2024) which planned to close 14 nuclear reactors — with "optimization" of the existing fleet and the construction of six new reactors, and eight as an option.

Already the majority in the French energy mix, nuclear production is expected to reach 380 to 420 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2030, compared to 320 in 2023.

The 2026-2035 Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) also anticipates an acceleration of offshore wind power, considered a key driver of renewable energy development in France. Conversely, onshore wind and solar power targets have been revised downwards compared to the version submitted for public consultation in March, a direct consequence of less dynamic electricity demand than expected.

Through this new energy roadmap, the State confirms its strategy: to strengthen energy sovereignty, secure the supply of decarbonized electricity and guide the evolution of the French energy mix to 2035.

Enerplan welcomes the publication of the PPE3 and calls for accelerating the decarbonization movement and energy sovereignty

In accordance with the commitments made by the Prime Minister directly to Enerplan on February 6 during discussions held at Matignon, the Prime Minister published the multi-year energy program (PPE3) this Friday, February 13.

Enerplan welcomes this long-awaited publication, which will provide the energy sector with the essential framework for the coming years. However, we note a reduction in the solar energy targets compared to the 54 GW initially proposed for 2030.

The solar sector is seeing some relief despite this lower target. The 2,9 GW annual tender cap set in the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) from 2026 to 2028 will allow companies to continue developing new solar capacity and plan their expansion for the coming years. The text indeed mentions a target of 2,9 GW for the years 2026 to 2028, maintaining the pace of PPE2, which would correspond to an annual program of 3,6 GW peak capacity, with a 2,9 GWp tender cap and 0,7 GWp of public support.

The tenders are expected to be confirmed next week, according to the Minister's statements this Friday, February 13th. Enerplan welcomes the response to our request for the swift release of the tender specifications and clarity on the timeline.

Sovereignty also depends on rebuilding industrial sectors in France, which need these objectives to materialize and swift measures to enable this industrial renewal. For Enerplan, France is currently in a favorable position to launch the major electrification plan announced. Our country has the solid low-carbon electricity and heat resources necessary to end our dependence on fossil fuels, which cost France tens of billions of euros each year. Solar energy is a crucial lever for achieving this. Beyond photovoltaic targets, Enerplan welcomes the confirmation of the National Action Plan for Solar Heat, which aims to reach 10 TWh of production by 2035. Enerplan also reiterates its willingness to contribute to the major electrification plan mentioned by the Prime Minister.

According to Daniel Bour, president of Enerplan, who was present in the Jura region alongside the Prime Minister and members of the government: “Finally, the PPE3 has been published, and that’s excellent news. I hope this signals the end of the sterile, dogmatic, and inconsistent energy debates we’ve been witnessing for several years. We eagerly awaited this document, which reflects a point of equilibrium. However, I am disappointed by the volume, which falls short of our expectations, being lower than the volumes projected at the start of the PPE discussions. We now need to work quickly to ensure optimal integration of the new capacity into the grid. At the same time, we must improve the price captured by solar power through the development of storage, whether co-located or not. This is crucial for improving the competitiveness of solar energy.”

The Alliance for Local Energy denounces a setback for locally generated renewable electricity.

Nearly three years late, the government is due to publish tomorrow, Friday, February 13, in a decree in the Official Journal, the Multiannual Energy Program, which sets out France's operational roadmap for energy. While this program was eagerly awaited by the local energy transition sector so that France could finally assert its ambition for energy sovereignty and phasing out fossil fuels, the Alliance for Local Energy, a group of 12 civil society organizations, denounces, based on initial findings, a complete lack of clarity regarding the production of locally generated renewable electricity.

A failure to respect European commitments

France's multi-year energy plan sets a target of 60% decarbonized energy (including nuclear and renewables) in its final energy consumption by 2030. The share of renewables is completely subsumed and rendered invisible within this overall "decarbonized energy" target (which heavily favors nuclear power), thus contradicting the European directive on renewable energy. This target is therefore lower than France's commitments at the European level, while the European Commission recommends reaching 44% renewable energy in French final energy consumption by 2030.

This makes no sense in light of the challenges of energy sovereignty.

Furthermore, the government appears to be almost abandoning onshore wind projects, with a target of 35 to 40 GW by 2035. This downward revision of the wind energy target will limit new projects, prioritizing repowering—the replacement of existing wind turbines with more powerful models. While repowering is essential, it will not be sufficient to meet the necessary and ambitious production targets.

The lack of ambition in the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) regarding renewable energy will hinder the development of locally driven projects and penalize the regions and their inhabitants who are the primary beneficiaries. Indeed, when a project is led by the community and its citizens, often in partnership with a private developer, renewable energy generates two to three times more economic benefits for the region than a conventional project and can provide municipalities with stable revenue to finance their public services. This lever is all the more essential in a context of significant budget cuts for local areas. Yet, the PPE sets no targets for developing these projects.

According to Béatrice Delpech, Deputy Managing Director of Enercoop, a member of the Alliance for Local Energy: "France must accelerate the development of all renewable energies to move away from fossil and nuclear fuels and build its energy sovereignty. It cannot ignore mature, proven renewable technologies, which represent an essential source of funding for local areas."

The demands of the Local Energy Alliance

Because of the shared tangible and intangible wealth generated by local renewable energy projects for territories, the Alliance for Local Energy calls for the share of projects in the hands of communities and citizens to be tripled by 2030 and increased elevenfold by 2035, from 1,7 TWh currently to 5 TWh in 2030 and then 20 TWh in 2035 (i.e., 5% of all renewable energy projects).

As leaders in the energy transition, the Regions can set ambitious targets in consultation with the various levels of government within their territory to drive the territorial energy transition. This has notably been achieved through Regional COPs and Regional Energy Committees, but these bodies have, for the most part, remained largely ineffective due to a lack of directives and associated human and financial resources. Therefore, the Alliance for Local Energy calls on the government to allocate sufficient resources to local authorities to take ownership of energy planning at the regional level and implement it effectively within their territories.

The Alliance for Local Energy brings together 12 stakeholders committed to environmental protection, energy, regional development, and the social and solidarity economy: the Cler network, Énergie Partagée, the Climate Action Network, Enercoop, Energy Cities, France Nature Environnement, Greenpeace, WWF, Le Labo de l'ESS, ESS France, FNCCR, and AMORCE. Together, these stakeholders raise awareness of local renewable energy sources, their principles and advantages, and promote their widespread adoption throughout France. The group is working to secure a legislative and regulatory framework that encourages the development of local renewable energy projects.

For the Climate Action Network, the 3rd PPE "largely misses its objective"

According to Bastien Cuq, Energy Manager and author of the report Energy sovereignty put to the test : “For the Climate Action Network, the 3rd Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE), unveiled on February 12, largely misses the mark in its objective of strengthening our energy sovereignty. First, moderation of consumption, an essential pillar of this sovereignty, is conspicuously absent from this roadmap. Second, the development of renewables is reduced compared to initial ambitions. As for the electrification of energy uses, it is highlighted in Sébastien Lecornu’s speech, but we are waiting for concrete measures from his government to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, given that the financial resources allocated to this area in the 2026 budget law were insufficient.”

For Hellio, the PPE3 is a clear framework for securing investments and accelerating the energy transition.

After two and a half years of delays, the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) was presented on February 12, 2026 by Sébastien Lecornu, following a public consultation conducted in early 2025, marked by parliamentary work on the draft law on national programming for energy and climate, known as “Gremillet”.

With nearly 4 years of work and intense consultations between different actors, experts, parliamentarians and professionals, this decree announcing the 3rd PPE is the result of work that mobilized more than 60.000 participants.

According to Pierre-Marie Perrin, Director of Public Affairs and Communication for the Hellio group: “At the start of this year, marked by the conclusion of budget discussions and the commitment of the Lecornu II Government to implement a structuring strategy for the country’s energy policy, we are reassured to see that the programming objectives for each sector have been defined for the next 10 years. They will secure investments in the sector and guarantee the achievement of our objectives for reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.”

Ensuring the long-term viability of the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme is a cornerstone of energy consumption reduction objectives.

In line with the publication of the 3rd PPE, the year 2026 also marks the opening of the 6th period of the CEE scheme, with an increased obligation level of 1.050 TWh cumac per year, representing an increase of 27% compared to the year 2025.

This confirms the Government's willingness to amplify efforts in this area, especially since P6 is accompanied by a projection of a 7th period, with an annual energy savings obligation level of between 825 and 2250 TWhc per year, between 2031 and 2035.

The PPE is crucial in that it secures our energy saving objectives, while planning the levels of obligation that energy suppliers - obligated under the scheme - must reach over a given period.

In accordance with regulatory changes related to P6, the PPE decree strengthens the effectiveness of the scheme through the systematization of steering committees, the intensification of the fight against fraud, and its improved evaluation. The PPE decree also reinforces the incentive nature of the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme for:

• The residential sector, with a target of 600.000 major renovations of individual and collective housing per year;
• The tertiary sector, in particular to meet the requirements for reducing consumption arising from the Eco Energy Tertiary scheme;
• The transport sector, by supporting the electrification of vehicle fleets;
• The industrial sector, by identifying new sources of energy savings and ways to reduce consumption

A welcome publication, but without parliamentary debate and a balanced vision, the energy strategy could prove risky, according to Coénove.

The publication of the third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE 3) constitutes a structuring step for the French energy strategy for the horizon 2030-2035.

Even though Coénove welcomes its publication and the maintenance of ambitious objectives in terms of energy transition, particularly for the development of renewable gases, the adoption of this text, without parliamentary debate and without a more balanced and pragmatic approach to the energy mix, raises many questions.

Coénove calls on the government to clarify its position on renewable gases, not to stigmatize high-performance equipment such as high-efficiency boilers or hybrid solutions, and to amplify actions to reduce consumption and diversify the energy mix.

Renewable gases: we must confirm the ambition over the long term and support the momentum across all production methods

Biogas is one of the few renewable energy sources to have exceeded its targets in the previous Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE2), with 15 TWh of connected biomethane capacity and more than 800 methanizers in operation. Coénove therefore welcomes the emphasis placed on renewable gases in PPE3, with a target of 50 TWh, of which 44 TWh will be injected into the grid, confirming their strategic role in decarbonizing heating and cooling, particularly in the building sector.

However, for 2030 and especially for 2035, Coénove calls for better recognition of the potential of new green gas production technologies, in addition to the already mature methanization, such as pyrogasification, hydrothermal gasification and methanation.

In addition to the publication of this PPE 3 (Third Multiannual Energy Program), further measures are expected to promote the development of green gas projects. To provide the necessary visibility for industry stakeholders and investors, the government will need to quickly clarify:

• the trajectory beyond 2030-2035,
• recognition of all production technologies,
• the definition of the trajectory for Biomethane Production Certificates (BPCs) after 2028, and support for the conversion of biogas cogeneration units to injection,
• the adoption of a detailed roadmap for the development of renewable liquefied gases, in particular to take into account the specific challenges of rural areas.

Before even considering electrification, prioritize reducing consumption and preserving a diversified energy mix.

Instead of a reductive and risky electrification plan, we need to return to a comprehensive vision of our country's energy programming, moving beyond sterile oppositions between energy vectors or between one or another mode of production.

Pitting nuclear power against renewable energy, or basing the energy transition on systematic electrification, would pose significant risks to household purchasing power and business competitiveness.

A sustainable transition requires, first and foremost, controlling energy demand, making energy sobriety and efficiency the priority levers.

For Jean-Charles Colas-Roy, Chairman of Coénove: “A just and resilient energy transition relies first and foremost on controlling consumption and diversifying the energy mix and supplies. Producing in France is also a matter of sovereignty, and green gases, derived from waste recycling, constitute a strategic asset for our country thanks to their local, storable, and renewable nature. In energy, as elsewhere, it is never wise to put all your eggs in one basket, so let's combine planning with controlling consumption, diversification, hybridization, and interconnections.”

Don't stigmatize the equipment, but make the energy greener.

Coénove points out that an effective energy policy does not consist of banning technologies, but of decarbonizing the energies they use.

Closing the door on high-performance, hybrid and scalable equipment, already 100% compatible with renewable gases, would be counterproductive in light of climate, economic and industrial objectives.

Identifying and recognizing green gas in the building sector

Coénove finally calls for renewable gas to be primarily directed towards the building sector, which is highly temperature-sensitive and faces needs that are often concentrated in winter.

Green gas, a storable and on-demand energy source, is a particularly suitable solution for a wide range of housing configurations. This expectation is also shared by building professionals, who are keen to obtain genuine regulatory recognition for green gases (Energy Performance Diagnosis, Environmental Regulations, etc.) and who want realistic and sustainable decarbonization pathways based on a diversified energy mix.

For France Gaz, the 3rd PPE is an essential text for accelerating the production of renewable and low-carbon gas in the territories

France gaz welcomes the publication today of the decree relating to the multi-year energy program for the period 2023 – 2035, known as PPE 3.

The publication of this text is crucial for the decarbonization of the French economy and the acceleration of the production of renewable and low-carbon gas in our territories.

Green gas production projects are long-term undertakings and must be based on clear commitments and ambitions from the government. In this regard, France Gaz welcomes the stated objective of injecting 44 TWh of biomethane into the grid by 2030, which aligns with the sector's potential (33,7 TWh and 1.585 projects registered by the end of 2025) and the current injection capacity of nearly 16 TWh. This trajectory must now be complemented by the launch of upcoming consultations on the post-2028 trajectory. This signal is eagerly awaited by all stakeholders in the sector, both to facilitate the transition of cogeneration plants to biomethane injection into the grid and to secure the numerous projects currently awaiting approval.

However, France gaz regrets that the trajectory to 2035 did not simply retain the upper limit of 85 Twh to better reflect the reality of the dynamics of production in the territories as well as the arrival of new production technologies, such as pyrogasification, hydrothermal gasification and power-to-methane, especially since a review clause in 2027 is announced.

Furthermore, PPE 3 should also have included a target of 10% biopropane in 2033, as these solutions are essential for rural areas, and also better emphasized the synergy of energy systems with the new gases such as hydrogen and CO₂.

Finally, regarding heating issues, France gaz will maintain its disagreement with any initiative to replace boilers that amounts to a real ban, because they would have no progressive character and would not allow consideration of the virtuous nature of the use of green gases for customers.

According to Frédéric Martin, president of France Gaz: “The publication of the PPE 3 will reinforce the very strong momentum of projects observed in the regions. We are convinced that the objectives set for the first phase in 2030 are achievable, and also convinced that green gases are effective and essential solutions for decarbonizing our economy while guaranteeing the country's security of supply, household purchasing power, and the competitiveness of our businesses.”

Equilibre des Énergies welcomes the publication of the third part of the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE3)

The PPE3 goes further than the previous one by assuming the key role of electrification both to achieve our climate objectives and to meet the expectations of the French in terms of energy: energy independence, competitiveness of companies, purchasing power.

Indeed, the PPE3 anticipates that more than half of final consumption will be supplied by electrons of nuclear or renewable origin by 2050, notably through the massification of key technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles.

The challenge now is to make these objectives a reality, first and foremost on the electrification of uses which is struggling to start despite abundant electricity production.

Équilibre des Énergies and its members hope that the electrification plan will improve the situation and are available to assist public authorities in launching the electrification plan.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.