popular articles

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.

Please share:

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.”

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Spanish authorities and grid operator REE denied conducting any experiment on the national electricity network prior to the massive outage on April 28, the cause of which remains unknown.
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
Ember anticipates that a third of ASEAN data centre electricity demand could be met by wind and solar by 2030, without batteries, if appropriate political measures are implemented.
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalising a proposal to lift emissions caps for thermal power plants, amid a broader shift toward national energy security.
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
The re-elected Australian government is investing heavily in storage, critical minerals and domestic production to meet its target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
The European Commission releases data on the REPowerEU plan, confirming a sharp drop in Russian fossil fuel purchases and announcing new legislative measures by June.
A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
The Danish government is assessing the possibility of authorising new nuclear technologies, marking a major regulatory shift in energy policy after four decades of prohibition.
The Spanish government confirmed no signs of cyberattack were identified after the 28 April blackout that affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Spanish government confirmed no signs of cyberattack were identified after the 28 April blackout that affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.
South African authorities are advocating for an approach that integrates economic development and environmental protection, highlighting global imbalances in climate responsibility.
South African authorities are advocating for an approach that integrates economic development and environmental protection, highlighting global imbalances in climate responsibility.
The European Commission is considering changing environmental laws to accelerate the granting of permits for renewable energy projects across the European Union.
The European Commission is considering changing environmental laws to accelerate the granting of permits for renewable energy projects across the European Union.

Advertising