How is electricity generated in France?
Nuclear power is the primary source of electricity generation in France, accounting for nearly 65 percent of the country’s power output in 2023. While renewables are the second-largest source of electricity in France, the electricity produced by hydropower, wind, solar, and bioenergy is less than half the nuclear share. Fossil fuels, especially natural gas, are still present in the country's electricity production, with an installed electricity capacity of some 17 gigawatts per year. With its low-carbon electricity mix, France’s power sector accounted for one of the smallest carbon intensities in the European Union, coming second only to Sweden in 2022.According to the upcoming Multiannual Energy Programme 2024, France plans to increase its electricity production by 10 percent by 2030 and by 55 percent by 2050, compared to 2021 levels. France has announced an acceleration of renewable energy plant deployment and the construction of six new nuclear reactors.