G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD
COUNTRY PROFILE FRANCE1
May 2024

Synopsis
OVERALL COUNTRY SCORE: 272/400

France has an extensive set of policies promoting systems flexibility and energy
efficiency. It has low shares of fossil fuels in the power mix but its future progress
is at risk due to strong focus on nuclear and too slow deployment of new
renewable capacity. It shows commendable effort on demand side management,
digitalisation, and the renovation of buildings.
France also is a member of key international initiatives supporting powersystems decarbonisation. However, the focus on its ageing nuclear fleet andpermitting delays are major obstacles to the deployment of renewables, leading
to 2030 renewables targets which are not in line with the contribution under therevised EU Renewable Energy Directive and undermined EU efforts to adopt
more ambitious RE targets.
Headline message – Benchmarks 1–2 (Section 1: Infrastructure/Energy mix)
SCORE: 77/120

Despite having one of the lowest fossil fuel shares and hence carbon intensity ofthe electricity mix, France is not delivering on the deployment of renewables.
Updated targets are to be awaited in the 2024 multiannual planning. Besides thefocus on nuclear, permitting delays are a major obstacle to the deployment of
renewables.
Headline message – Benchmarks 3–5 (Section 2: Policies/Targets)
SCORING: 195/280

France already has an extensive set of policies supporting systems flexibility,
energy efficiency, and overall net zero power delivery. Recently agreed EU power
market rules provide another step in the right direction. Under these rules
France has committed itself to setting national flexibility objectives and flexibility
support schemes focusing on non-thermal options to increase grid flexibility
1 To see the whole Scorecard, including the scoring methodology, visit https://www.e3g.org/g7-power-systems-scorecard

1

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

investment, enabling grid integration of renewables and less dependence on gas
for power systems balancing. However, it is overprotective of nuclear and thus
falls short on its binding national commitments under the revised Renewable
Energy Directive. Updated trajectories towards 2035 are to be expected in the2024 PPE.

Benchmark 1: Reducing fossil fuel reliance
SCORE: 57/60

France’s reliance on fossil fuels in the power mix has never been high due to ahigh nuclear and a stable hydro output which also leads to a considerably low
carbon intensity of power (56 gCO2/kWh). The fossil fuel share in electricity
generation currently stands at about 10%. France almost phased out its
remaining coal capacity, but the phase-out date has been postponed to 2027.
Meanwhile, France has grown gas use almost tenfold since 1990, meaning thatthe overall share of fossil fuels has barely changed. However, France has statedan ambitious gas consumption decrease by 2030.
1.1 New unabated coal and gas power plants in planning or construction
SCORE: 15/15

France has no new gas or coal infrastructure announced.2
1.2 Share in electricity generation: fossil fuels
SCORE: 14/15

France has a considerably low share of fossil fuels in electricity generation with
8.4% in 2023.3
1.3 Share in electricity generation: non-renewable low-carbon tech
SCORE: 13/15

The share of nuclear in electricity generation was 65.3% in 2023.4

2 Global Energy Monitor, Gas and Coal Tracker, Home - Global Energy Monitor
3 EMBER, Yearly Electricity Data, Yearly electricity data | Ember (ember-climate.org)
4 Ibid.

2

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

1.4 Carbon intensity of power index
SCORE: 15/15

The carbon intensity of power index was 83.9 in 2022. France’s CO2 intensity was
56 gCO2/kWh in 2023, placing it well below the global and G7 average.5

Benchmark 2: Ramping up renewables
SCORE: 20/60

France started to ramp up wind and solar capacity two decades ago, yet thegrowth has been slow compared to other G7 members. Today, the share of windand solar is just above the share of fossil fuels (13% vs 10%) in electricity
generation. Despite efforts to stimulate the deployment of renewables, thepermitting process, particularly for offshore wind, remains lengthy and poses an
obstacle to reach the 2030 target of 120 GW of RES capacity.
2.1 Share of variable RES in electricity generation
SCORE: 4/15

In 2023, France had a share of 14% of variable RES in electricity generation.6
2.2 Share of other RES in electricity generation
SCORE: 4/15

In 2023, France had a share of 12.32% of other RES in electricity generation.7
2.3 Variable RES pipeline capacity vs country’s announced target
SCORE: 5/15

The 2023 draft National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) plans for 120 GW
installed renewables capacity by 2030, representing 35% of the electricity mix.8
The updated target is expected to be incorporated in the upcoming 2024 multiannual energy planning (PPE). The current PPE projects 34–35.6 GW by 2028.9

5 EMBER, Yearly Electricity Data, Yearly electricity data | Ember (ember-climate.org)
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 European Commission, November 2023, France - Draft Updated NECP 2021-2030
9 French Ministry of Ecology, October 2023, Programmations pluriannuelles de l’énergie (PPE) | Ministèrede la Transition Écologique et de la Cohésion des Territoires (ecologie.gouv.fr)

3

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCEIn 2023, France had 23.4 GW of installed wind and solar capacity, with anadditional 17.4 GW of installed hydropower capacity.10 In the pipeline is a further
1.9 GW of solar capacity (1.3 GW announced and 0.4 GW in pre-construction)and 18.5 GW of wind capacity (9.6 GW announced and 5.4 GW in preconstruction), which would add up to just over 60 GW. France risks falling shortof its target of 120 GW installed renewables capacity by 2030 if the pace ofinstalled capacity is not significantly accelerated.
2.4 Average permitting time for VRE
SCORE: 7/15

The permitting process in France remains lengthy: about 5.5 years for thepermission of wind and 3.5 years for solar projects.11
The Renewable Energy Acceleration Law set up in 2023 aims to streamline
renewables and mitigate failures in meeting 2020 renewables targets.12

Benchmark 3: Adapting power systems to high RES
share
SCORE: 81/120

The French electricity system already has a high amount of built-in flexibility,
established demand side management (DSM), short-term storage, andflexible tariffs. About 92% of consumption is covered with smart meters. France
has ambitions to increase flexibility up to 2035, but further policies are neededfor 2035 RES and electrification targets, specifically to address the declining
nuclear capacity due to an ageing nuclear fleet. Long-term storage, sector
coupling, and further DSM via hourly tariffs are needed. The new grid investment
plan, which is expected in 2024 as part of the new PPE, will set the trajectory forgrid development for the coming years.

10 Global Energy Monitor, 2023, Global Solar, Wind, and Hydropower Tracker, Home - Global Energy

Monitor
11 Ember, July 2022, Ready, Set, Go: Europe’s race for wind and solar | Ember (ember-climate.org)
12 Légifrance, March 2023, LOI n° 2023-175 du 10 mars 2023 relative à l'accélération de la productiond'énergies renouvelables - Dossiers législatifs - Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr)

4

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

3.1 Policies to limit curtailment to a minimum that ensures optimal RES
capacity utilisation
SCORE: 0/15

Due to the nature of the French electricity system, the policies addressing
curtailment are mostly focused on demand side flexibility rather than storage.
This includes preferential tariffs for households, facilitated by France’s extensive
smart meter rollout.
3.2 Active steps by the national grid operator to plan for short spells of 100%
RE power
SCORE: 8/15

France does not have plans for short spells of 100% RE power. Instead, it plansfor 96% of decarbonised electricity by 2030 in its 2023 draft National Energy andClimate Plan (NECP), consisting of 61% nuclear and 35% renewables. Given its
ageing existing nuclear fleet, France’s high reliance on nuclear to achieve their
net zero power target raises questions about its deliverability.
The NECP foresees 120 GW installed renewables capacity by 2030, requiring adoubling of the annual rate of development of solar PV capacity (to 54–60 GW ofsolar PV capacity), maintaining the current development pace for onshore windcapacity, and 18 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2035 (only about
3.6 GW by 2030 due to long development times).
3.3 Effective policies to ramp up electricity storage
SCORE: 13/15

France already has 5 GW of pumped hydro storage, and 3 GW contracted
demand side management. It further plans to increase flexibility services, mostly
batteries, demand side management (EV charging and peak electrolyser use) andthe use of renewable molecules, such as hydrogen. The PPE defines a target of
6.5 GW of contracted demand side management by 2028.
RTE’s 2023 provisional planning report states that no new peak fossil power
plants are needed to satisfy flexibility. Two coal fired power plants might stay inreserve, other existing ones will be converted to biomass or decarbonised energy
carriers.
France’s legislation on electricity storage transpose the European Directive
2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity into national

5

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

law.13 As part of the French Energy Code (Art D. 141-12-6), France has a legal
requirement to maintain a level of security of electricity to three-hour loss ofload expectation.14 The 2021 Climate and Resilience act foresees an option forthe minister in charge of energy to start a tender process if the storage capacities
do not meet the objectives of the PPE (Energy Code L. 352-1-1) or if thetransmission system operator RTE communicates a need for flexibility.15 RTE’s
Ten-Year-Network-Development Plan foresees about 1 GW of grid-connectedbattery storage needed by 2030 in the reference scenario.16 It also mentions the
future storage use of hydrogen molecules in salt caverns. The 2023 draft NECP
states that France projects an installed flexibility capacity of 25 GW by 2030 and
35 GW by 2035.
3.4 Effective policies to increase end use flexibility
SCORE: 14/15

France already has demand side management policies in place, mostly bydigitalisation and pooled demand side management via contractors. It also has
ambitious plans to increase DSM to 6.5 GW by 2028.
The French system is based on demand side flexibility with economic incentives;peak pricing contracts, such as offered to households by EDF are enabled bydigitalisation. The main document to set targets for flexibility rollout is the PPE
which will be updated in 2024, and the forecast assessment by RTE. The latterdevelops three different forecast scenarios with different rates of consumption,
electrification of uses, and development of low-carbon energies. The 2023
forecast assessment up to 2035 projects increased flexibility needs due to theelectrification of demand (EVs, heat pump deployment, etc.) already by 2030 andplans for 6.5 GW of contracted DSM by 2028.
France requests electricity suppliers to encourage consumers to reduce
consumption during peak periods by a higher electricity price as part of their
supply contract. Alternatively, demand flexibility capacities can be aggregated bya curtailment operator which commits to balancing the demand with either
offering or reducing the capacity. Besides further volumes of contracted demand

13 EUR-Lex, June 2022, EUR-Lex - 02019L0944-20220623 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
14 Légifrance, December 2021, Article D141-12-6 - Code de l'énergie - Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr)
15 Légifrance , August 2021, LOI n° 2021-1104 du 22 août 2021 portant lutte contre le dérèglement

climatique et renforcement de la résilience face à ses effets (1) - Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr)
16 RTE France, March 2024, Le schéma décennal de développement du réseau | RTE (rte-france.com)

6

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

side management, France should establish a real time/hourly tariff system forend users.
These national efforts are well aligned with recently agreed EU power market
rules. France has committed itself to setting national flexibility objectives, to be
defined by 2026, and flexibility support schemes focusing on non-thermal
options to increase grid flexibility investment, which will enable grid integrationof renewables and less dependence on gas for power systems balancing.
3.5 Effective policies to accelerate grid development
SCORE: 11/15

France plans substantial investments into the grid development, but the newinvestment plan as part of the 2024 PPE is to be seen. It currently has aninterconnectivity below 5%, which contrasts with the 15% EU interconnectivity
target by 2030.
The analysis of investment needs for grid deployment will be updated with the2024 PPE. For the distribution grid, Enedis projects in their 2023 Grid
Development Plan annual investment increases from just over €4bn in 2022 to€5bn in 2032.17
RTE projects in their 2019 Ten-Year-Development plan a doubling of France’s
interconnection capacity (from 15 GW to 30 GW by 2035) to achieve an import
capacity of 16.5% by 2030, which is above the EU’s interconnection target of
15%. This requires a grid expansion of 30% by 2030. The plan focuses on newconnections, for example for connecting offshore wind plants, an increase incapacity of existing grids, and a smartening of the grids. According to theEuropean Commission’s 2023 country fiche, France reached an interconnectivityof 4.97% in 2023.18
To facilitate the grid development, the 2023 French Renewable Energy
Acceleration Law includes articles (Art 105f) to decrease the delay of gridconnection. RTE has developed Regional Grid Plans to connect renewables(S3REnR) under the 2010 Grenelle 2 law.19 Those plans are developed in
17 Enedis, 2023, Enedis modernise le réseau d’énergie électrique pour l’adapter aux nouveaux besoinsénergétiques | Enedis
18 European Commission, October 2023, State of the energy union report 2023 – country fiches - European

Commission (europa.eu)
19 RTE France, 2020, Les Schémas Régionaux de Raccordement au Réseau des Énergies Renouvelables : desoutils stratégiques | RTE (rte-france.com)

7

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

cooperation with the territories and each regional scheme includes anenvironmental evaluation which is to be published for the public ahead of theacceptance of the scheme by the prefect. They aim to:> Boost the grid capacity to account for additional renewables.
> Anticipate the reinforcement of the grid.
> Mutualise the cost in areas in which the connection cost would be too highfor a single project developer.
3.6 Effective policies to enable the required digitalisation of power systems
SCORE: 14/15

According to the 2023 report of the EU’s Agency for the Cooperation of Energy
Regulators (ACER), 92% of end users were already equipped with the national
smart metering system Linky in 2022.20 This enables critical peak pricing, but noreal time/hourly pricing tariffs are available yet.
3.7 Effective mechanisms or frameworks to prevent preferential treatment forfossil fuel-based generation over RES on the market
SCORE: 9/15

France does not have any targeted preferential treatment policies, but it does
have policies to support the rollout of renewables and to scale down
consumption of fossil fuels.
The French Renewable Energy Acceleration Law 2023 (APER law) is designed to
streamline administrative processes for renewable installations and facilitate therapid deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This legislation alsoemphasises the meticulous planning of offshore wind farms and identifies
specific areas for accelerating renewable energy projects, involving early
engagement of local authorities. Projects under this law are structured to benefit
residents, local and regional authorities, and businesses, with provisions foroverriding public interest for projects contributing to multiannual planning.
Moreover, France has committed to reducing its gas consumption by 46% in
2030 compared to 2019, in line with the European Climate Law objectives which
require a reduction of 35% by 2030.21 It still falls short of the REPowerEU

20 ACER/CEER, 2023, Energy Retail and Consumer Protection | www.acer.europa.eu, p.94
21 European Commission, 2021, European Climate Law - European Commission (europa.eu)

8

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

proposal, which would translate into a 52% reduction over the same time
horizon.
To increase installed renewable capacity up to 100 GW by 2050, RTE’s France
2030 Investment Plan projects €1bn per year to the supply side of renewableenergy projects including PV cells, heat pumps, and electrolyser giga-factories.22
Annual investments for low-carbon generation and flexibility are anticipated tobe €25–35bn until 2035.
France’s National Low-Carbon Strategy for 2050 (SNBC) and successive five-year
energy investment plans (PPE) set ambitious targets for reducing fossil fuelconsumption and increasing renewable energy capacity.23 The 2022 Belfort
speech already suggested the new targets for the 2024 update of themultiannual planning, projecting 20 GW offshore wind power capacity by 2030
(and 40 GW capacity by 2050), and 100 GW solar PV by 2050.24
In its 2023 draft NECP, France aims for a renewable energy share of 33% by 2030
(with 35% renewables in electricity), falling short of the 42.5% requirement
under the updated Renewable Energy Directive.
3.8 Electrification rate target and roadmap to support delivery
SCORE: 12/15

The 2023 draft NECP announced an electrification target of 50% of electricity
consumption by 2050, which is expected to be included in the 2024 PPE.

22 RTE France, September 2023, Les bilans prévisionnels | RTE (rte-france.com)
23 French Ministry of Ecology, July 2022, Stratégie Nationale Bas-Carbone (SNBC) | Ministère de laTransition Écologique et de la Cohésion des Territoires (ecologie.gouv.fr)
24 Euractiv, February 2022, Macron presents France’s long-term ‘nuclear-heavy’ energy plan – Euractiv

9

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

Benchmark 4: Governance / International leadership
SCORE: 52/80

France is party to some key international initiatives covering power systems
decarbonisation, including the PPCA, JETPs, “cleaning up fossil fuel finance”
agreements within G7, and the Glasgow Coal to Clean Power Initiative. France iskeen to drive grids-focused initiatives (GGI).
However, France remains overprotective of nuclear leading to 2030 renewables
targets which are not in line with its target contribution under the revised
Renewable Energy Directive.25 Its 96% decarbonised power ambition by 2030
and Pentalateral Forum commitment to decarbonise electricity by 2035 (to be
seen if included in next multiannual planning 2024) are commendable. 26 France
has the second highest electrification rate in the G7 and aims for 50% electricity
share in energy consumption by 2050.
4.1 2035 carbon neutral power system commitment adopted in national
legislation
SCORE: 5/10

The French renewables ambition is not in line with the target set by the updated
Renewables Energy Directive. However, it has a target of 96% of decarbonised
electricity by 2030 and to achieve net zero power by 2035. France also enshrined
its carbon neutral energy system by 2050 in law.
France has developed comprehensive plans such as the multiannual energy plan
(PPE) and the National Low-Carbon Strategy. The latter incorporates targets set
forth by the 2019 Energy and Climate Law, with a clear trajectory towards carbon
neutrality by 2050.
France’s draft NECP for 2023 outlines ambitious targets to reduce coal-based
primary energy consumption by 70% in 2030 and 75% in 2035, using 2012 as thebaseline. It further plans for 96% decarbonised electricity by 2030 (which
consists of 61% nuclear and 35% renewables).

25 European Commission, November 2023, Renewable Energy Directive (europa.eu)
26 Pentalateral Energy Forum, December 2023, Statement-by-Penta-Ministers-on-a-joint-vision-for-a-decarbonized-electricity-system-short.pdf (benelux.int)

10

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

4.2 Global leadership on supporting power systems decarbonisation indeveloping countries
SCORE: 8/10

France has been involved in international leadership efforts supporting theenergy transition.
France is part of the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) with South
Africa, Indonesia, Viet Nam, and Senegal. These partnerships focus oncollaborative efforts to advance renewable energy deployment, improve energy
efficiency, and promote sustainable development in the partnership countries.
The Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition
underscores France's commitment to promoting clean energy technologies andsupporting developing countries in their transition towards low-carbon
economies.
As part of the G7 commitment, France supports the phase-out of international
financing for unabated coal, signalling a collective commitment to align financial
support with climate goals and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
Moreover, France has been actively engaged in regional forums and initiatives
aimed at decarbonising the electricity system. The 2023 Joint Statement fromthe Pentalateral Forum, which includes Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
France, Austria, and Belgium, highlights a collective commitment to fully
decarbonise the electricity system at an accelerated pace, aiming forachievement by 2035, five years earlier than the EU-wide target.
As part of Mission Innovation 2.0, which was launched in 2021, France
collaborates with global partners to accelerate research, development, anddemonstration efforts aimed at scaling up clean energy technologies andachieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
4.3 International commitments on power systems decarbonisation throughalliances or networks such as the PPCA, Glasgow Coal to Clean Power Initiative
etc.
SCORE: 8/10

France takes part in several international commitments and alliances:> PPCA member> Seeking a pro-nuclear alliance

11

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

> International Solar Alliance> Breakthrough Agenda Signatory> Green Powered Future Mission Member> Green Grids Initiative signatory (+ steering committee)
4.4 Net zero power system roadmap to drive delivery of 2035 commitment
SCORE: 8/10

France has extensive net zero power delivery roadmaps, though the 2035 net
zero power systems ambition still needs to be translated into clear policies. This
is to be expected in the upcoming PPE.
The 2023 Framework Strategy for Ecological Planning serves as a transversal
roadmap, integrating climate policy, biodiversity, and climate adaptation
strategies into a cohesive plan for sustainable development.27
The National Low-Carbon Strategy 2020, currently under review, sets sectoralbinding carbon budgets for three to five-year periods and projects a pathway
towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
Legislation such as the French Renewable Energy Acceleration Law 2023 and thecommitments under European legislation, such as the European Climate Law
Regulation 2021/1119, the European Green Deal, and Fit for 55 package, commit
to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 through binding targets for net zero
greenhouse gas emissions.
The Five-Year Energy Investment Plans (PPE), amended by the Multiannual
Energy Plan 2020, are the main planning tool for France’s energy transition.
Planned to be updated in 2024, the plan currently sets targets extending until
2035, encompassing local objectives determined through a bottom-up approachto ensure coherence across administrative levels.
Specifically, the plan aims to achieve a solar PV capacity of 54–60 GW by 2030, a
notable increase from the range of 35.1–44 GW projected for 2028. Additionally,
the plan sets a target of 18 GW of installed wind capacity by 2035. It aims formore than 250 TWh of renewable heat production by 2030, and sets targets forenergy recovery, aiming to recover 20 TWh of heat by 2030. Additionally, it
27 France, March 2024, La planification écologique - France Nation Verte | info.gouv.fr

12

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

addresses the operation of nuclear power reactors, permitting their continued
operation beyond the 50-year deadline provided safety requirements are met.
The 2023 draft NECP projects the cessation of coal fired power plants by 2027
and oil fired power plants by 2030. The plan aims for a 96% decarbonised
electricity mix by 2030, with gas fired power plants potentially accounting for theremaining 4% of electricity generation.
4.5 Critical role of renewables, interconnection, and demand side measuresreflected in country’s energy security framework
SCORE: 4/10

France has frameworks for energy security and interconnection and for efficiency
and flexibility, but lacks them for the overall promotion of renewables
deployment for energy security.
The French Energy Code, coupled with EU Regulation 2019/941 on risk
preparedness in the electricity sector, establishes a framework for crisis
management, decentralised markets, increased renewable energy sources, andenhanced interconnection.28
The Law on Energy Transition for Green Growth, with amendments to article
L141-2 of the energy code, mandates the multiannual energy plan to prioritise
security of supply, reduce import dependency, and promote renewable energy. 29
It emphasises the balanced development of networks, storage, and flexibilities toensure sustainable energy provision.
Under the S3REnR Scheme, regional grid development plans facilitate costsharing initiatives for the development and interconnection of renewable energy
sources. This scheme promotes collaboration and efficiency in expanding
renewable energy infrastructure across regions.
Furthermore, the RTE Ten-Year Network Development Plan outlines investments
in new interconnections and aims to double capacity by 2035. Specifically, by2030, France aims to double import capacity to exceed the EU’s 2030 target of
15%, enhancing energy security and fostering greater integration with European
energy markets.
28 EUR-Lex, 2019, Regulation - 2019/941 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
29 French Ministry of Ecology, September 2022, Loi relative à la transition énergétique pour la croissanceverte (TEPCV) | Ministère de la Transition Écologique et de la Cohésion des Territoires (ecologie.gouv.fr)

13

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

4.6 Unabated coal phase-out date and roadmap to support delivery
SCORE: 10/10

France has a coal in power phase-out planned for 2027.
4.7 Unabated gas phase-out date and roadmap to support delivery
SCORE: 0/10

France currently has no gas in power phase-out date and trajectory, but the new
PPE is expected to include an exit from fossil fuels by 2050. The 2023 draft NECP
plans for an ambitious reduction of gas consumption of –46% by 2030, compared
to 2019.
4.8 2030 target for share of total RES in electricity generation
SCORE: 9/10

The 2023 draft NECP sets a 2030 target of 35% for France’s share of total RES inelectricity generation.

Benchmark 5: Reducing energy waste
SCORE: 62/80

France has an extensive buildings efficiency program, energy efficiency targets inline with updated EU legislation, ambitious heat decarbonisation targets, andplans promoting sufficiency. France has the second highest electrification rate in
the G7 and aims for a 50% electricity share in energy consumption by 2050.
5.1 Efficient policies to retrofit / renovate buildings
SCORE: 18/20

France has extensive regulation and finance available for renovating the existingbuilding stock.
As part of the European Clean Energy Package, the Energy Performance andBuildings Directive EU 2018/844 and the Energy Efficiency Directive have beenrevised, setting the basis for member states’ renovation trajectories.30,31
In its 2023 draft NECP, France set ambitious targets for renewable heating andcooling, aiming for 45% by 2030 and 55% by 2035.
30 European Commission, 2023, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (europa.eu)
31 European Commission, 2023, Energy Efficiency Directive (europa.eu)

14

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

The 2021 Climate and Resilience Law further reinforces these efforts byoutlawing badly insulated buildings and mandating Energy Performance
Certificates (DPE) for property sales or rentals.32
New buildings are subject to stringent regulations outlined in the 2019 Energy
and Climate Law and the new Environmental Regulations (RE2020), building
upon the Thermal Regulations 2012 (RT2012). The introduction of the new
bioclimate standard (Bbio) requires a 30% improvement in building envelope
performance compared to RT2012.
To facilitate retrofitting efforts, France has established the MaPrimeRénov
energy efficiency renovation scheme, managed by the National Housing Agency,
allocating €5 billion for property renovations in 2024.33
Financial measures for renovating public buildings have been implemented
under the Major Investment Plan (2018–22) and the COVID-19 Recovery Plan
(France Relance).34
The 2019 Energy and Climate Law aims to eradicate 4.8 million inefficient homes
through mandatory renovations. Additionally, the 2023 Ecological Planning
initiative targets the production of 1 million and the installation of 2.6 million
heat pumps in France by 2027.
Legislation such as the Law on Energy Transition for Green Growth and the PPE
incorporate energy consumption levels for buildings and provisions forrenovations.
Furthermore, Ademe's heat fund, established in 2009, promotes renewable
heating and cooling, with an increased funding of €820 million in 2024.35

32 French Ministry of Ecology, March 2024, Diagnostic de performance énergétique - DPE | Ministère de laTransition Écologique et de la Cohésion des Territoires (ecologie.gouv.fr)
https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-targets-directive-andrules/energy-efficiency-directive_en
33 French Ministry of Economy, 2024, MaPrimeRénov' : la prime de transition énergétique |economie.gouv.fr
34 French Ministry of Economy, 2024, Plan de relance | economie.gouv.fr
35 Agence de la Transition Ecologique, 2019, Le Fonds Chaleur - La chaleur renouvelable, c est profitable(ademe.fr)

15

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

5.2 National energy/power savings target?
SCORE: 18/20

France’s energy efficiency targets are in line with the Energy Efficiency Directive
and focus on sufficiency
In the 2023 draft NECP, France aims to significantly reduce its primary energy
consumption contribution to 157.3 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe) and final
energy consumption to 104 Mtoe. These targets are in line with the Annex I
formula results of the recast Energy Efficiency Directive (EED).
The Updated Energy Sufficiency Plan 2023 outlines measures to achieve a 12%
reduction in energy consumption.36 This includes expanding the plan to cover the
120 largest businesses in France and supporting the deployment ofprogrammable thermostats to optimise energy usage. Additional efforts are
directed towards addressing light pollution.
France has also implemented the Directive on Energy Efficiency EU 2018/2002,
which sets specific targets for energy savings and efficiency to reducegreenhouse gas emissions. The revised Energy Efficiency Directive(EU/2023/1791) increases the targets and national contributions.37
5.3 Sufficient spending on energy efficiency programmes
SCORE: 10/20

The French spending on energy efficiency programmes focuses on therenovation of the existing building stock.
France’s MaPrimeRénov energy efficiency renovation scheme, managed by the
National Housing Agency, allocates €5bn (in 2024) for renovating properties toimprove energy efficiency.
5.4 High-quality appliance and equipment standards and labelling
SCORE: 16/20

Most of France’s equipment and appliance standards are set by EU standards,
which are fairly ambitious.

36 France, October 2023, Sobriété énergétique : un an après, on continue ! | Ministère de la Transition

Écologique et de la Cohésion des Territoires (ecologie.gouv.fr)
37 EUR Lex, September 2023, Directive – 2023/1791 – EN

16

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE

> The EU Directive 92/75/EC established an energy consumption labelling
scheme, with updated EU labelling requirements introduced in 2021. 38> The Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC and Labelling Regulation (EU)2017/1369 are implemented through product-specific regulations, directly
applicable in France.39 A proposal for a new Ecodesign for Sustainable
Products Regulation (ESPR) was originally published in March 2022.40 It builds
on the Ecodesign Directive to incorporate more metrics on circular economy
of products.
> France has further introduced appliance and equipment standards with the2022 Decree No. 2022-748 2022, which relates to consumer information on
the environmental qualities and characteristics of waste-generatingproducts.41> The 2021 Climate and Resilience Law also sets out environmental and social
labelling standards.
> For building standards, reforms have been made to the Energy Performance
Certificate (DPE), introduced by the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings
Directive (EPBD), and Low Consumption Building Renovation Labelling under
Article 179 of the Housing, Planning, and Digitalization Development Act (LoiELAN) 2018, ensuring consistency and accuracy in energy efficiency
assessments for buildings.42
Progress could be made in appliance standards for space heating, as there are
currently no European requirements for electric heating efficiency and the use of
air conditioners for heating.43

38 EUR Lex, EUR-Lex - 01992L0075-20110721 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
39 EUR Lex, 2009, Directive - 2009/125 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
40 European Commission, May 2024, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation - European

Commission (europa.eu)
41 Légifrance, April 2022, Décret n° 2022-748 du 29 avril 2022 relatif à l'information du consommateur surles qualités et caractéristiques environnementales des produits générateurs de déchets - Légifrance(legifrance.gouv.fr)
42 Légifrance, November 2018, Article 179 - LOI n° 2018-1021 du 23 novembre 2018 portant évolution dulogement, de l'aménagement et du numérique (1) - Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr)
43 CLASP 2023, World’s Best MEPS: Identifying Top Energy Efficiency Standards for Priority Appliances -

CLASP

17

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCEAbout E3G
E3G is an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook. We workon the frontier of the climate landscape, tackling the barriers and advancing thesolutions to a safe climate. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics
and policies into action.
E3G builds broad-based coalitions to deliver a safe climate, working closely withlike-minded partners in government, politics, civil society, science, the media,
public interest foundations and elsewhere to leverage change.
More information is available at www.e3g.org
Copyright
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialShareAlike 4.0 License. © E3G 2024

18

G7 POWER SYSTEMS SCORECARD – COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE