France Sets Record with €5 Billion in Electricity Exports in 2024

France’s electricity exports generated €5 billion in 2024, an unprecedented level driven by increased volumes despite declining market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the main importers.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

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

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

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

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

France reached a historic level of electricity exports in 2024, with a total of 101.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) exported, generating €5 billion in revenue. This amount marks a significant increase compared to previous years, where revenues ranged between €1 billion and €3 billion. The rise in volume largely offset the decline in wholesale market prices, according to data published by Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), a subsidiary of Électricité de France (EDF).

A Strong Recovery After 2022

This record comes just two years after 2022, a year marked by an unprecedented situation since 1980, when France became a net electricity importer. The production decline at the time was caused by technical issues in the nuclear fleet, notably stress corrosion affecting several reactors. In 2024, the situation stabilized with more consistent production, supported by a fully operational nuclear fleet and high availability of low-carbon electricity sources.

France’s Main Electricity Importers

Italy emerged as the leading buyer of French electricity, accounting for 32% of exports, followed by Germany (18%) and Belgium (15%). These exchanges are part of a European context where France experienced surplus production, while certain neighboring countries maintained strong demand. Additionally, import periods remained limited and mostly benefited from low-cost, low-carbon electricity from other European countries.

Ongoing Decline in Market Prices

France’s spot electricity market recorded an average annual price of €58 per megawatt-hour (€/MWh) in 2024, compared to €97/MWh in 2023 and €276/MWh in 2022, during the peak of the energy crisis. This price decrease is attributed to an abundant supply of low-cost electricity and a continued decline in consumption. Despite the falling prices, France was able to generate record revenues through sustained exports.

Limited Impact on the Energy Balance

Although the €5 billion in revenue represents a significant performance, RTE emphasized that this amount remains small compared to the cost of fossil fuel imports, which reached over €64 billion in 2024. Fossil fuels still account for nearly two-thirds of France’s energy consumption, although national targets aim to reduce this share to 42% by 2030 and 30% by 2035.

Ghana aims to secure $16 billion in oil revenues over ten years, but the continued drop in production raises doubts about the sector’s long-term stability.
The government of Kinshasa has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam's Vingroup to develop a 6,300-hectare urban project and modernise mobility through an electric transport network.
ERCOT’s grid adapts to record electricity consumption by relying on the growth of solar, wind and battery storage to maintain system stability.
The French government will raise the energy savings certificate budget by 27% in 2026, leveraging more private funds to support thermal renovation and electric mobility.
Facing opposition criticism, Monique Barbut asserts that France’s energy sovereignty relies on a strategy combining civil nuclear power and renewable energy.
The European Commission is reviving efforts to abolish daylight saving time, supported by several member states, as the energy savings from the practice are now considered negligible.
Rising responses to UNEP’s satellite alerts trigger measurement, reporting and verification clauses; the European Union sets import milestones, Japan strengthens liquefied natural gas traceability; operators and steelmakers adjust budgets and contracts.
The Finance Committee has adopted an amendment to overhaul electricity pricing by removing the planned redistribution mechanism and capping producers' profit margins.
The European Commission unveils a seven-point action plan aimed at lowering energy costs, targeting energy-intensive industries and households facing persistently high utility bills.
The European Commission plans to keep energy at the heart of its 2026 agenda, with several structural reforms targeting market security, governance and simplification.
The new Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) axis combines a nuclear restart, targeted fuel tax cuts and energy subsidies, with immediate effects on prices and risk reallocations for operators. —
German authorities have ruled out market abuse by major power producers during sharp price increases caused by low renewable output in late 2024.
A new International Energy Agency report urges Maputo to accelerate energy investment to ensure universal electricity access and support its emerging industry.
Increased reliance on combined-cycle plants after the April 28 blackout pushed gas use for electricity up by about 37%, bringing total demand to 267.6 TWh and strengthening flows to France.
The United States announces a tariff increase beyond the 10% base rate targeting several Colombian products. Bogotá has recalled its ambassador. The detailed list of tariff lines has not yet been published, while Colombia’s ban on coal exports to Israel remains in effect.
The president-elect outlines a pro-market agenda: gradual reform of fuel subsidies, review of Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) lithium contracts, and monetization of gas transit between Argentina and Brazil, prioritizing supply stabilization.
A three-year partnership has been signed between Senegal and two Quebec-based companies to develop the country’s geoscientific capacity and structure its energy sector through technological innovation.
The South African government plans 105,000 MW of additional capacity by 2039 to redefine its energy mix, support industrialisation, and strengthen supply security.
The Dutch government is initiating legislative reform to extend the Borssele nuclear plant until 2054 and has formalised the creation of a public entity to develop two new reactors.
The United Kingdom unveils a structured plan to double clean energy jobs, backed by over £50 billion ($61.04bn) in private investment and the creation of new training centres across industrial regions.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

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

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

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

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