France’s clean energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, with recent data revealing that nearly 95% of the country’s power generation now comes from clean sources. This remarkable achievement, reported by Reuters, positions France as a leader in Europe’s clean energy transition, despite a decline in wind and hydro power. The surge in clean energy production is largely attributable to record solar output and the highest nuclear generation since 2019, which have compensated for the shortfall in other areas.
France’s energy landscape has long been dominated by nuclear power, accounting for approximately 70% of its electricity. However, the sector is not without its challenges. Ageing reactors and operational risks during warm periods have necessitated a shift towards diversifying energy sources. Energy think tank Ember reports a notable decrease in nuclear power’s share of France’s total generation capacity, from 45% in 2019 to 39% in 2024. This decline has paved the way for a swift growth in renewable energy, with solar and wind farms now representing around 30% of France’s generating capacity. Hydroelectric power contributes an additional 16%, while gas and bioenergy plants make up 12% and 2%, respectively.
This diversification effort is part of a broader commitment to clean energy. France has significantly reduced its coal-fired capacity and increased bioenergy and hydro capacity. The expansion of clean power capacity, up by 17% since 2019, has not only bolstered France’s clean energy credentials but also kept its power costs competitive. According to LSEG, prices in France have been 25% to 35% lower than those in Germany and Italy. This economic advantage is bolstered by France’s status as a net power exporter. LSEG data indicates that in 2025, France’s spot wholesale base power costs averaged around €73 ($82) per MWh, compared to €98/MWh in Germany, €107/MWh in Poland, and €125/MWh in Italy.
The pricing advantage enables French power firms to export surplus power profitably to Europe’s interconnected power markets. This has not gone unnoticed by neighbouring countries. Earlier this month, Spain and Portugal requested the European Union to facilitate the development of additional power interconnectors with France. This move underscores the strategic importance of France’s energy infrastructure in Europe’s broader energy landscape.
The implications of these developments are significant. France’s success in diversifying its energy mix and maintaining competitive power costs could serve as a blueprint for other European countries seeking to transition to cleaner energy sources. The shift away from nuclear power, albeit gradual, signals a broader trend towards a more balanced and resilient energy system. Moreover, the economic benefits of this transition, as evidenced by France’s competitive power prices, could incentivise further investment in clean energy technologies.
However, challenges remain. The ageing nuclear fleet and operational risks during warm periods highlight the need for continued innovation and investment in both nuclear and renewable energy technologies. Furthermore, the success of France’s energy transition will depend on its ability to integrate these diverse energy sources into a cohesive and reliable power system.
The request from Spain and Portugal for additional power interconnectors also raises important questions about Europe’s energy infrastructure. As the continent seeks to decarbonise its energy system, the need for robust and interconnected power grids will become increasingly important. France’s role as a net power exporter positions it as a key player in this evolving energy landscape.
In the coming years, it will be crucial for France to build on its current successes and address the challenges that lie ahead. The country’s commitment to clean energy, coupled with its strategic investments in energy infrastructure, could set a new standard for Europe’s energy transition. As the sector continues to evolve, France’s experiences and innovations will undoubtedly shape the future of clean energy in Europe and beyond.