In a context where electricity demand is set to rise and the energy transition demands greater diversification, France must focus on developing a network that integrates and facilitates the expansion of renewable energies, according to the French association for the energy transition, EdEn.
Cecil Coulet, Head of EU Public Affairs at EdEn , emphasizes the need for strategic planning in both grid infrastructure and low-carbon energy capacity to advance the energy transition.
“A key factor is planning; both nuclear and renewable capacities must be planned in advance so that they are ready to operate as soon as possible and can scale up in line with the demand for low-carbon energy. It’s important to plan what type of production we aim to achieve at different timelines and to ensure that projects are launched and developed accordingly,” states Coulet in an interview with Strategic Energy.
He also stresses the importance of aligning grid development with rising electricity demand and renewable expansion. “There will be a need for updates and developments to the grid, along with its strengthening. All of this takes time and requires significant investments that must be planned now to be ready for the next steps,” adds Association representative.
A Challenging Outlook for France’s Renewable Market
France faces the challenge of meeting its 2030 renewables target. The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) establishes a goal of 35% of final energy to come from renewable sources, a target that requires overcoming structural barriers. “Both renewables and nuclear energy will play a key role in this energy transition,” the specialist maintains.
The French renewables market currently has an installed wind capacity of 23.3 GW and 19.9 GW of solar photovoltaic power, according to data from RTE France, the French electricity transmission network. In addition to wind and solar, France relies on its nuclear sector, which provides a significant percentage of its electricity. This resource, Coulet notes, “enables France to maintain high levels of low-carbon electricity production without depending on weather conditions, unlike wind or solar.”
Currently, nuclear energy remains essential in the country; so far this year, it has generated 261.2 TWh, according to RTE. Meanwhile, hydroelectric energy contributes approximately 17% of generated electricity, also helping to stabilize the system during periods of high demand, with 27.8 TWh generated this year.
However, hydroelectric infrastructure faces regulatory challenges at the European level. France and the European Commission are in a dispute over the management of concessions in the sector, hindering the necessary investments to modernize and expand the capacity of these facilities. Cecil Coulet warns that this situation is critical, as “at a time when we need to increase low-carbon electricity production, it is detrimental to hinder the development of this existing renewable infrastructure.”
Offshore Wind Energy in Growth
Offshore wind energy has gained prominence in recent years, and France has the potential to expand its capacity in this technology to 1.2 GW, according to the expert. Currently, France has four partially operational offshore wind farms and ten additional projects under construction, underscoring the country’s commitment to leveraging its maritime resources.
The first offshore wind farm was inaugurated in 2022, marking a milestone in France’s renewable energy strategy. “The development of offshore wind is a natural step for France, given its geography,” highlights Coulet, pointing out that this sector will be crucial for diversifying and increasing the resilience of the national energy matrix.
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