France introduced a new energy law Thursday that lowers renewable energy targets and removes a requirement to close several nuclear reactors operated by Electricité de France (EDF).
Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the measure aims to balance energy needs, stating, “We need both nuclear and renewables.”
The law is expected to be adopted by decree Friday, ending nearly three years of legislative debate. It reverses a 2017 pledge by President Emmanuel Macron to shut down 14 nuclear reactors, instead setting a goal to produce 420 terawatt-hours of electricity from EDF’s existing nuclear fleet by 2035, a 5% increase.
Macron has since promoted nuclear power, proposing at least six new reactors. Lescure said the first new unit should come online by 2038.
EDF CEO Bernard Fontana supported the law, saying it would help the utility meet its goals. The law arrives amid concerns over EDF’s competitiveness as rising wind and solar capacity across Europe lowers wholesale power prices.
The 10-year energy strategy, known as the Multiannual Energy Plan (PPE), also adjusts renewable energy targets. By 2035, total installed wind and solar capacity is set at 105–135 gigawatts, down from earlier drafts of 133–163 gigawatts.
Offshore wind targets were reduced from 18 gigawatts to 15 gigawatts, and onshore wind goals lowered to 35–40 gigawatts, down from the previously communicated 45 gigawatts. Solar energy targets were decreased to 55–80 gigawatts from 75–100 gigawatts.
The PPE sets a goal for France to derive 60% of its energy from decarbonized electricity by 2030, rising to 70% by 2035. Currently, about 60% of French energy comes from fossil fuels.
The law has drawn criticism from environmental groups. “If this PPE is more than two years late on paper, it’s at least a decade behind in its vision of an energy transition,” Greenpeace France said.
Emeric de Vigan, managing director at energy consultancy 42 Advisors, said the law is unlikely to reduce prices for consumers, which may discourage shifts away from fossil-based fuels.
