Nuclear power, renewables, consumption: France's new energy plan (PPE3) until 2035

Massive nuclear revival

The new multi-year energy program (PPE3) marks a major turning point in French energy policy. Breaking with the previous PPE, which planned the closure of 14 reactors, it formalizes a revival of nuclear power with the construction of six new-generation EPR2 reactors, the possibility of building 8 more, and the extension of the lifespan of existing power plants.

The text also provides for the optimization of the 57 reactors in the current fleet, with nuclear electricity production expected to be between 380 and 420 TWh by 2030 (320 TWh in 2023), whereas EDF had targeted 400 TWh. The objective is to strengthen energy sovereignty while ensuring security of electricity supply.

Offshore wind power confirmed

The French Energy Programming Law (PPE) confirms the acceleration of offshore wind development, a cornerstone of renewable energy in France. It sets a target of 15 GW of installed capacity by 2035. The 18 GW target is maintained but postponed to 2037, in order to better integrate the constraints of grid connection.

"Realistic" target for onshore wind and solar power

The targets for onshore wind and photovoltaic power have been "adjusted to take into account the parliamentary debates of spring 2025", marked by strong tensions, as well as the stagnation of national electricity consumption for two years.

The PPE (Multi-year Energy Program) provides for "a reasoned development of photovoltaics," which currently represents approximately 30 gigawatts. Installed capacity should reach 48 GW by 2030 and 55 to 80 GW in 2035 – compared to 54 and 65 to 90 GW in 2035 in the version submitted for consultation last March.

Regarding onshore wind power, which is sometimes contested locally, the government wants to "prioritize" increasing the capacity of existing wind farms rather than creating new sites. The targets are set at 31 GW in 2030 and 35 to 40 GW in 2035 (approximately 24 GW today) – compared to 33 GW in 2030 and 40 to 45 GW in 2035 in the previous version.

Return of hydroelectricity

Hydropower is making a comeback in France's energy strategy. The recent adoption of a bill in the National Assembly has allowed for the revival of investments in dams, which had long been stalled by a dispute with Brussels.

The PPE provides for an increase of 2,8 GW in the capacity of existing dams, including 1,7 GW via pumped storage power plants (PSPPs), which are essential for storage and balancing between electricity production and consumption.

Betting on electrification

The government is counting on a significant increase in the production of decarbonized energy by focusing on the electrification of uses in transport, buildings, and industry. This strategy aims to gradually replace fossil fuels (oil, gas, fuel oil) with electricity.

The stated objective is clear: to move from 60% fossil fuels in the country's total energy consumption to 60% decarbonized energy by 2030.

Non-electric, decarbonized energy sources

In addition to electrification, the executive branch wants to develop non-electric, low-carbon solutions "for energy uses that are difficult to electrify".

For biomethane, the targets are set at between 47 and 82 TWh in 2035, a slight decrease compared to the March version. Renewable heat retains its target of 328 to 421 TWh in 2035, notably thanks to deep and shallow geothermal energy.

In decarbonized hydrogen, ambitions are gradually being scaled up to 4,5 GW by 2030 and a target of 8 GW by 2035. Finally, the government is counting on a "gradual increase in the consumption of biofuels, particularly for air and maritime transport", with a target of between 70 and 90 TWh by 2035.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.