SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

The High Commissioner for Atomic Energy criticises France’s energy strategy for 2035

Vincent Berger, High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, issues strong criticism of France's energy strategy for 2035, deeming the CO2 reduction target overly ambitious and warning of potential overproduction of electricity.

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

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

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

Vincent Berger, High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, has issued strong criticisms regarding France’s energy strategy for 2035 in an opinion submitted to the French government and reported by Les Echos on March 3, 2025. According to him, the target for reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, is unrealistic and overly ambitious. To date, France has achieved only 31% of this reduction, raising doubts about the feasibility of meeting this goal by the end of the decade.

overproduction of electricity by 2035

In the same opinion, Mr. Berger expressed concerns regarding the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE), which plans for electricity production of 692 TWh by 2035. He believes this capacity could lead to an overproduction of electricity, particularly given that demand remains lower than pre-Covid levels. In 2024, consumption was still 12.7% lower than before the pandemic, despite a slight increase compared to 2023. This overcapacity could make it difficult for the massive investments required to implement the PPE to be profitable.

necessary revision of photovoltaic development

In light of this situation, the High Commissioner recommends a downward revision of photovoltaic sector growth within the framework of the PPE. According to him, investments in this sector risk not being profitable if production exceeds demand. This position aligns with concerns raised by other energy sector stakeholders, including the High Council for the Climate (HCC), which has also warned of the need to strengthen certain levers of action to ensure that France’s energy roadmap meets its objectives.

official reactions and points of divergence

When contacted by AFP, the office of the Minister for Industry and Energy declined to comment on the criticisms raised by Vincent Berger. However, a source close to the Prime Minister stated that the information reported by Les Echos could not be confirmed and that these matters fell under the responsibility of the electricity transmission network operator, RTE, whose work has informed the preparation of the PPE. The ministry clarified that the management of energy policy was not within the direct remit of the High Commissioner for Atomic Energy.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
PLN secures 103 LNG cargoes for 2026 as Indonesia anchors its supply strategy
AfDB grants $7.41mn to Liberia to complete hydroelectric power plant
Oil prices rise amid tensions between Washington and Caracas
Power outages in the United States reach record 11 hours per customer in 2024
Sunman secures AUD171 mn to launch 500 MW solar factory in Australia
Carney and Smith unlock pipeline to Asia and amend tanker ban law
The Carney–Smith agreement launches a new pipeline to Asia, removes oil and gas emission caps, and initiates reform of the Pacific north coast tanker ban.
Post-CfD renewable assets expose investors to increased market risk
The gradual exit from CfD contracts is turning stable assets into infrastructures exposed to higher volatility, challenging expected returns and traditional financing models for the renewable sector.
Canada reforms Energy Efficiency Act to align policy with digital markets
The Canadian government introduces major legislative changes to the Energy Efficiency Act to support its national strategy and adapt to the realities of digital commerce.
Quebec maintains sole carbon price at the pump despite federal tax repeal
Quebec becomes the only Canadian province where a carbon price still applies directly to fuels, as Ottawa eliminated the public-facing carbon tax in April 2025.
India invests $872mn to locally produce rare earth permanent magnets
New Delhi launches a 72.8 bn INR incentive plan to build a 6,000-tonne domestic capacity for permanent magnets, amid rising Chinese export restrictions on critical components.
Long-term contracts reshape electricity market risk over 30 years amid volatility
The rise of CfDs, PPAs and capacity mechanisms signals a structural shift: markets alone no longer cover 10–30-year financing needs, while spot prices have surged 400% in Europe since 2019.
Berlin plans to acquire 25.1% of TenneT Germany by early 2026
Germany plans to finalise the €5.8bn ($6.34bn) purchase of a 25.1% stake in TenneT Germany to strengthen its control over critical national power grid infrastructure.
Ghana restructures its power sector around domestic gas to contain deficit
The Ghanaian government is implementing a reform of its energy system focused on increasing the use of local natural gas, aiming to reduce electricity production costs and limit the sector's financial imbalance.
Suriname targets 220,000 barrels per day in oil strategy by 2028
On the 50th anniversary of its independence, Suriname announced a national roadmap including major public investment to develop its offshore oil reserves.
South Korea under pressure from the IEA to liberalise its electricity market
In its latest review, the International Energy Agency warns of structural blockages in South Korea’s electricity market, calling for urgent reforms to close the gap on renewables and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
China’s installed power capacity reaches 3.75 bn kW, up 17.3 %
China's power generation capacity recorded strong growth in October, driven by continued expansion of solar and wind, according to official data from the National Energy Administration.
Trump revives US offshore with 34 lease sales planned between 2026 and 2031
The 2026–2031 offshore programme proposes opening over one billion acres to oil exploration, triggering a regulatory clash between Washington, coastal states and legal advocacy groups.
The Mozambique centralises its gas infrastructure to secure the Beira–Rompco corridor
The government of Mozambique is consolidating its gas transport and regasification assets under a public vehicle, anchoring the strategic Beira–Rompco corridor to support Rovuma projects and respond to South Africa’s gas dependency.
NESO launches national consultation to plan regional energy infrastructure
The British system operator NESO initiates a consultation process to define the methodology of eleven upcoming regional strategic plans aimed at coordinating energy needs across England, Scotland and Wales.
COP30 locks in adaptation, avoids fossil phase-out and opens a climate regulatory front
The Belém summit ends with a technical compromise prioritising forest investment and adaptation, while avoiding fossil fuel discussions and opening a climate–trade dialogue likely to trigger new regulatory disputes.
Asian Development Bank commits $700mn to support Kyrgyz Republic’s energy strategy
The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.
UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels
A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.
Sipperec renews electricity concession contract with EDF and Enedis
Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
The CRE assesses the gradual restart of retail energy markets
The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.
Over 80 countries push for roadmap on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30
Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.

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

START - 99$/year

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.