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France’s electricity generation is nearly fossil fuel-free

Jan 22, 2025, 5:47am EST
net zeroEurope
An electrical power pylon of high-tension electricity power lines is pictured as steam rises from cooling towers of a nuclear power station in Civaux, France, 2024.
Stephane Mahe/Reuters
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More than 95% of France’s electricity was produced by low-carbon sources in 2024, a record.

Some of the country’s nuclear fleet had been shut down for maintenance through 2022 and 2023, but came back on last year, with nuclear generation jumping 13% year-on-year.

Heavy rains also fueled France’s hydropower sector to hit a 12-year high, pushing renewables to 28% of total output, and fossil fuels produced less energy than at any point since the early 1950s.

Solar power receded slightly, but France can expect another low-carbon year in 2025: The first new nuclear plant in 25 years was added to the grid in December. A further six are planned, but are unlikely to come online until the 2030s.

Chart showing France’s electricity generation by source.

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