France: Ferracci accuses RN of promoting fossil energy dependence

Industry Minister Marc Ferracci criticised the Rassemblement National's stance on energy, accusing it of hindering planned investments in renewables in favour of fossil fuel imports.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

7-Day Pass

Up to 50 articles accessible for 7 days, with no automatic renewal

3 $/week*

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles/month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 30,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Industry Minister Marc Ferracci stated that the Rassemblement National (RN) is seeking to keep France dependent on fossil fuels and, by extension, on foreign powers such as Russia. His statement comes as the government prepares the new Multiannual Energy Programme (Programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie, PPE), which will define the country’s energy strategy for the coming decade.

A political standoff over the PPE

RN leader Marine Le Pen has threatened a motion of no confidence if the government adopts the PPE by decree. The plan includes a gradual reduction in the share of fossil fuels in final energy consumption, from 60% in 2023 to 42% in 2030, and then to 30% by 2035. These targets are based on the expansion of nuclear and wind energy capacity.

According to Marc Ferracci, this opposition reflects a refusal to initiate the short-term energy transition required. He noted that the new nuclear reactors currently under development will not be operational until 2038, making immediate support for so-called intermittent renewable sources essential, in his view.

Rising imports and strategic dependence

In 2024, France imported €64bn worth of oil and gas, according to data published by the electricity transmission system operator Réseau de transport d’électricité (RTE). The minister emphasised that this level of imports exposes the country to increased geopolitical risks, particularly regarding Russia and the United States, the latter described as a “less reliable” ally than in previous years.

Ferracci insisted that refusing to invest in renewables amounts to accepting continued dependence on imported hydrocarbons. He stated that those who dismiss renewables from the national energy strategy are “choosing fossil fuels for the years ahead.”

A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.

All the latest energy news, all the time

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

7 DAY PASS

Up to 50 items can be consulted for 7 days,
without automatic renewal

3$/week*

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.