The French government is set to publish its new energy roadmap for the period 2025-2035, due by early April 2025. This draft, which forms part of the third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE), aims to guide France towards carbon neutrality by 2050. According to information obtained by AFP, an adjustment to the photovoltaic targets is expected, following a consultation with industry stakeholders held at the end of 2024. The adjustments will be officially presented during the final consultation, which is expected to begin in the coming days.
Reduction of fossil fuels
As part of this revision, France intends to reduce the share of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, in final energy consumption. The goal is to lower this share to 42% by 2030, compared to 60% in 2022. The project is designed to align with European climate commitments, particularly the “Fit for 55” plan, which sets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
However, the text has faced internal criticism, including from the High Council for Climate, which has expressed concerns over the insufficiency of some measures, and from the Environmental Authority, which is calling for more ambitious targets to meet European commitments. These critiques highlight the tension between the goals of rapid decarbonisation and the economic reality of the energy transition.
The issue of electricity overproduction
Another point of contention surrounding this roadmap is the electricity production capacity. According to Vincent Berger, the High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, an overly ambitious strategy for photovoltaic energy could lead to overproduction, particularly if energy exports do not keep pace. The High Commissioner has warned against the economic risks that this overcapacity could generate, especially for consumers and public finances. As a result, he advocates for a downward revision of the expected growth of photovoltaic energy in this energy planning.
Final consultation and decree publication
The draft decree relating to this roadmap will be submitted to the High Council for Energy during March, before being published by the end of March or early April. The aim of this text is to ensure an energy transition aligned with France’s international commitments, while also considering feedback from sector stakeholders. The government continues to defend the ambition of the PPE while adjusting the parameters in light of expert recommendations.
