France intends to more than double its renewable power capacity by 2050. Depending on the projections, it could grow to as much as 163.1 gigawatts (GW) by 2035. This ambitious forecast highlights the country’s commitment to clean energy amidst a global shift towards sustainability. As of January 2024, France’s cumulative renewable power capacity had reached 59.1 GW. This staggering number underscores the tremendous opportunity to grow the industry in years to come.
France’s renewable power infrastructure is about to expand dramatically. Such demand has been powered by an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 to 2035. This development is most clearly seen in onshore and offshore wind capacity. Yet onshore wind capacity is still projected to increase, from 22.9 GW in 2024 to a strong 36 GW in 2035. Offshore wind capacity is about to take off like a rocket. In fact, it’s expected to soar from 1.5 GW to a stunning 10.7 GW over this same timeframe.
In addition to wind energy, France is planning to marginally increase its nuclear power capacity from 61.4 GW in 2024 to 63 GW by 2035. This big increase matches their Grand Carénage program. Specifically, it aims to advance reactor lifetimes to 50 years to keep nuclear power at the center of France’s energy plan. Furthermore, the country plans to construct six new European Pressurized Reactor (EPR2) facilities, further solidifying its commitment to maintaining a stable energy supply.
The submission of their updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP 2024) is proof that the roadmap is clear. Its main emphasis is on rapidly deploying clean energy solutions, including via the Multiannual Energy Plan (PPE). Regions such as Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are abundant in renewable energy potential. They will be key to this transition.
Even with this progress, France has a number of structural issues that may stall further progress. Permitting delays and local opposition to onshore wind projects present huge hurdles. What’s more, current grid bottlenecks exacerbate the country’s renewable aspirations. To counter these challenges, large-scale offshore wind projects in Normandy and Brittany are being prioritized, with government-backed contracts for difference (CfD) auctions and an offshore acceleration strategy designed to facilitate this expansion.
Beyond this, the role assigned to biopower and small hydropower is expected to greatly diversify the country’s renewable energy mix. The government’s strong policy alignment on renewable energy initiatives and the modernization of the energy grid are expected to support the overall growth of renewable capacity.