popular articles

Decarbonization: French industry will double its electricity consumption by 2050

To meet its climate targets, French industry will need to double its electricity consumption by 2050, reaching 207 TWh. This energy transition, essential for decarbonization, poses significant technological and economic challenges.

Please share:

To meet climate requirements and embark on an ambitious energy transition, French industry is expected to double its electricity consumption by 2050. According to a study by the think tank La Fabrique de l’industrie, recently published, consumption should reach 207 terawatt-hours (TWh), compared to 103 TWh recorded in 2023.

Replacing fossil fuels such as gas and fuel oil with electricity in industrial processes is central to this strategy. Energy-intensive processes, such as drying, fluid heating, or thermal treatments, will directly benefit from this electrification. However, some sectors face technological limitations. For instance, while electric furnaces are usable in the glass sector, they remain unsuitable for the cement industry. Cement manufacturers, faced with high thermal needs, are turning to alternative fuels such as biomass or used oils while relying on carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

A shift in the energy mix

By 2050, electricity is expected to represent 62% of the energy mix in French industry, a significant increase compared to 37% today and 14% in 1970. This shift will be accompanied by a diversification of sources, including biomass, biogas, hydrogen, and waste.

However, this energy transition depends on several essential conditions. “This is not a foregone conclusion because affordable, competitive, predictable, and accessible electricity is needed,” warns David Lolo, economist at La Fabrique de l’industrie and author of the report. Unstable or excessively high pricing could undermine the competitiveness of French companies, particularly in a post-energy-crisis context where they seek stability and long-term visibility.

The role of long-term contracts

Energy provider EDF hopes to finalize new long-term supply contracts with industrial players by the end of the year. These agreements, meant to replace the advantageous system of Regulated Access to Historic Nuclear Electricity (ARENH), set to end in 2025, are considered too expensive by some industrialists. Having benefited from favorable tariff conditions for 15 years, they express concerns about their ability to absorb new costs.

Unequal territorial electrification

The study also highlights a risk of uneven electrification. Large industrial CO2-emitting basins such as Dunkirk, Fos-sur-Mer, and Le Havre may be prioritized, leaving more diffuse sites like glass factories in wine regions or rural cement plants behind. This delay is attributed to the complexity and scale of the work required to connect these infrastructures to the national electricity grid.

This disparity could slow the decarbonization of certain regions and raises questions about territorial equity in the energy transition. Investments in the grid, including cabling and pylons, will be critical to ensuring homogeneous coverage.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico risks disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for American businesses and consumers.
Reforms aimed at accelerating energy permits have been excluded from the U.S. budget bill, postponing discussions to a Republican-led Congress that plans more ambitious changes.
Reforms aimed at accelerating energy permits have been excluded from the U.S. budget bill, postponing discussions to a Republican-led Congress that plans more ambitious changes.
The U.S. Supreme Court reviews the fuel industry’s challenge against California’s exclusive right to impose electric vehicle sales targets, a key issue for national emission standards.
The U.S. Supreme Court reviews the fuel industry’s challenge against California’s exclusive right to impose electric vehicle sales targets, a key issue for national emission standards.
Japan plans to reduce its reliance on thermal energy to 30%-40% by fiscal year 2040-2041 while significantly increasing renewable energy, according to a draft Strategic Energy Plan.
Japan plans to reduce its reliance on thermal energy to 30%-40% by fiscal year 2040-2041 while significantly increasing renewable energy, according to a draft Strategic Energy Plan.
In response to climate pressures, the Biden administration proposes limiting public support for oil and gas projects abroad. An initiative that could redefine global energy policy.
Niger has received a 20 MW diesel power plant as a strategic donation from Morocco. This project aims to strengthen local production in a context marked by high dependency on Nigeria for energy supply.
Niger has received a 20 MW diesel power plant as a strategic donation from Morocco. This project aims to strengthen local production in a context marked by high dependency on Nigeria for energy supply.
The Zawiya refinery, essential for fuel supply in Libya, has suspended its activities after armed clashes caused significant fires and sparked a local crisis.
The Zawiya refinery, essential for fuel supply in Libya, has suspended its activities after armed clashes caused significant fires and sparked a local crisis.
Despite corruption charges against Gautam Adani, CEO of the eponymous conglomerate, Sri Lanka confirms the continuation of the strategic Colombo container terminal project, vital for its struggling economy.
Despite corruption charges against Gautam Adani, CEO of the eponymous conglomerate, Sri Lanka confirms the continuation of the strategic Colombo container terminal project, vital for its struggling economy.
Faced with the threat of Russian gas cuts, Moldova is enacting a 60-day state of emergency to safeguard its energy security and prevent a humanitarian crisis during one of the most critical winters for its energy independence.
Electricity prices in Estonia fell by 9.6% in November, averaging €82.56/MWh, driven by increased wind energy production and higher-than-average temperatures.
Electricity prices in Estonia fell by 9.6% in November, averaging €82.56/MWh, driven by increased wind energy production and higher-than-average temperatures.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox proposes an ambitious budget to double energy production within ten years, focusing on nuclear and geothermal energy, contrasting with federal priorities on solar energy.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox proposes an ambitious budget to double energy production within ten years, focusing on nuclear and geothermal energy, contrasting with federal priorities on solar energy.
Energy prices in Europe far exceed those in the United States and China, putting the manufacturing industry at a disadvantage. An urgent review of energy and industrial policies is needed to safeguard European competitiveness.
Energy prices in Europe far exceed those in the United States and China, putting the manufacturing industry at a disadvantage. An urgent review of energy and industrial policies is needed to safeguard European competitiveness.
SSE Transmission submits an ambitious plan to Ofgem, aiming for £22 billion in investments to support energy transition, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Scotland's electricity infrastructure.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam offers hope for Ethiopia's energy needs and challenges for Egypt and Sudan's water security. Collaborative management is crucial to prevent crises in the Nile Basin.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam offers hope for Ethiopia's energy needs and challenges for Egypt and Sudan's water security. Collaborative management is crucial to prevent crises in the Nile Basin.
China accelerates reforms for a unified electricity market, but local trade barriers limit the transmission of renewable energy from remote regions to high-demand urban centers.
China accelerates reforms for a unified electricity market, but local trade barriers limit the transmission of renewable energy from remote regions to high-demand urban centers.
The International Monetary Fund announced an agreement with Ecuador on the first review of its economic aid program, paving the way for a $500 million disbursement amid an energy and economic crisis.
The International Monetary Fund announced an agreement with Ecuador on the first review of its economic aid program, paving the way for a $500 million disbursement amid an energy and economic crisis.
The former nuclear leader Areva settles a €4.8 million fine in a corruption case in Mongolia from 2013 to 2017, thus avoiding legal prosecution. An investigation reveals controversial payments through intermediaries.
India has called on the International Court of Justice to uphold the current UN climate framework, sparking tensions with small island states advocating for stricter measures.
India has called on the International Court of Justice to uphold the current UN climate framework, sparking tensions with small island states advocating for stricter measures.
A criminal network embezzled €27 million through MaPrimeRénov’, a French public aid program for energy-efficient home renovations. Investigations reveal fraudulent practices targeting the most vulnerable households.
A criminal network embezzled €27 million through MaPrimeRénov’, a French public aid program for energy-efficient home renovations. Investigations reveal fraudulent practices targeting the most vulnerable households.
Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, has reached a symbolic milestone, hitting 20,000 billion kroner, marking a major step in managing oil revenues for the country’s future.
Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, has reached a symbolic milestone, hitting 20,000 billion kroner, marking a major step in managing oil revenues for the country’s future.
The U.S. Treasury announces imminent guidelines for the 45Z tax credit, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and boosting investments in biofuels, despite inter-agency tensions.
Despite a major political crisis, South Korean refineries ensure the continuity of oil exports to Asia-Oceania, while union strikes could temporarily disrupt local distribution.
Despite a major political crisis, South Korean refineries ensure the continuity of oil exports to Asia-Oceania, while union strikes could temporarily disrupt local distribution.
The South Holland power grid has reached a critical point. Large companies and institutions are now on a waiting list, as operators explore temporary solutions and plan major investments for the future.
The South Holland power grid has reached a critical point. Large companies and institutions are now on a waiting list, as operators explore temporary solutions and plan major investments for the future.
In Paris, an unprecedented conference organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) brings together experts, industry leaders, and tech giants to explore the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence in addressing climate urgency and rising energy demands.
In Paris, an unprecedented conference organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) brings together experts, industry leaders, and tech giants to explore the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence in addressing climate urgency and rising energy demands.

Advertising