France Urged to Accelerate Electrification to Meet Climate and Energy Sovereignty Goals

France Must Accelerate Electrification to Meet Its Climate Targets

France’s path toward carbon neutrality is facing a major crossroads. According to the latest 2025 forecast from RTE, the country’s electricity transmission operator, France is falling behind in electrifying its economy fast enough to reach its 2035 and 2050 climate goals.

Despite producing electricity that is already over 95% low-carbon—thanks largely to its nuclear fleet—RTE warns that progress in electrifying transport, industry, and heating remains too slow. Without immediate action, the country risks missing both its environmental objectives and a historic opportunity for reindustrialization through green power.

Economic Sovereignty at Stake

RTE and the French government stress that energy policy is not only a climate imperative but also a sovereignty issue.
France currently spends between €50 and €70 billion annually on imported fossil fuels, a figure that skyrocketed to nearly €120 billion during the 2022–2023 energy crisis.

As Thomas Veyrenc, RTE’s Director of Strategy and Finance, explains:

“The need to replace fossil fuels with clean electricity goes far beyond emission reduction. It’s a question of sovereignty — reducing dependence on oil and gas from Russia, the Middle East, or even the United States.”

The government aims to cut fossil fuel use from 60% of national energy consumption today to around 35% by 2035.
However, RTE has revised down its electricity demand forecast by about 35 terawatt-hours for 2035, reflecting a slowdown in industrial electrification and the lingering effects of energy-saving measures introduced during the crisis years.

Nuclear and Renewables: A Necessary Partnership

In a debate often portrayed as “nuclear vs renewables,” RTE’s president Xavier Piechaczyk calls for unity instead of rivalry.

“Tomorrow’s energy system must stand on two legs — nuclear and renewables. It would be a mistake to weaken either source.”

France currently plans to build new nuclear reactors while simultaneously boosting wind and solar production to ensure energy stability and affordability.

RTE highlights around 30 gigawatts of new industrial projects currently in the pipeline:

2.9 GW linked to hydrogen production
3.4 GW for heavy industries
4.3 GW for fast-growing digital infrastructure like data centers

If 60% of these projects are completed by 2030, RTE believes France could achieve a “rapid decarbonization trajectory” aligned with EU goals.

Temporary Surplus, Long-Term Challenge

While RTE anticipates a temporary electricity surplus until 2027–2028, this window should not slow down renewable installations. The operator warns that reducing renewable investments now would be far less cost-effective and could weaken France’s leadership in low-carbon technology.

Instead, RTE urges policymakers and industry to accelerate electrification — particularly through:

Electrifying transport networks (EV charging infrastructure, rail, logistics)
Modernizing factories and industrial sites
Supporting local low-carbon energy hubs
Expanding renewable integration via smart grids

France’s next Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) — currently delayed — is expected to provide concrete targets and policies before the end of 2025.

A Turning Point for France’s Energy Future

The message from RTE is clear: France has the resources to lead Europe’s green transition — abundant nuclear power, growing renewables, and strong industrial know-how. But turning potential into progress will depend on urgent action, coordinated investments, and political consistency.

By embracing electrification as both a climate strategy and a sovereignty project, France can reduce its energy dependence, cut emissions, and secure jobs in the industries of the future.