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:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE

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
Funds Push European Carbon Positions to Highest Since April
Valmet signs a national agreement to provide valve services to Petrobras
NRN raises $67.2m to accelerate its distributed energy platform in Australia
OT Cyberattacks: Energy Sector Faces $329 Billion in Risks
Eleven US companies selected to fast-track small nuclear reactor testing
United States reaches two historic electricity demand peaks in July 2025
U.S. electricity consumption reached unprecedented levels in the last week of July, driven by a heatwave and the growth of industrial activity.
New York Power Authority unveils 7GW plan for public investments in renewable energy
The New York Power Authority targets nearly 7GW of capacity with a plan featuring 20 renewable projects and 156 storage initiatives, marking a new phase for public investment in the State.
French Guiana targets electric autonomy with 120 MW biomass plant by 2026
French Guiana plans to achieve a fully decarbonised power mix by 2027, driven by the construction of a biomass plant and expansion of renewable energy on its territory.
Ember: Slow national ambitions hinder global tripling of renewables
The progress of national targets for renewable energy remains marginal, with only a 2% increase since COP28, threatening the achievement of the tripling of capacity by 2030 and impacting energy security.
Department of Energy report questions economic impact of CO2 and reach of US climate policies
A Department of Energy report states that US actions on greenhouse gases would have a limited global impact, while highlighting a gap between perceptions and the economic realities of global warming.
The MENA renewable energy market will reach USD59.9 bn in 2030 driven by hydrogen and solar
Investments in renewable energy across the Middle East and North Africa are expected to reach USD59.9 bn by 2030, fuelled by national strategies, the rise of solar, green hydrogen, and new regional industrial projects.
Global electricity demand set for robust growth until 2026 despite economic pressures
Global electricity demand is projected to grow steadily through 2026, driven by industrial expansion, data centres, electric mobility and air conditioning, with increasing contributions from renewables, natural gas and nuclear power.
Electricity demand reaches 2,362 MW in Kenya as KenGen focuses on renewables
Kenya registers a historic record in electricity consumption, driven by industrial growth and a strong contribution from geothermal and hydropower plants operated by Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC.
European industrial energy demand hits new low in 2023
Final energy consumption in the European industrial sector dropped by 5% in 2023, reaching a level not seen in three decades, with renewables taking a growing role in certain key segments.
France: RTE launches public debate over €90 billion grid investment
Réseau de transport d’électricité is planning a long-term modernisation of its infrastructure. A national public debate will begin on September 4 to address implementation methods, challenges and conditions.
Spanish lawmakers reject Pedro Sánchez’s plan to prevent major power outages
The Spanish Parliament has rejected a package of reforms aimed at preventing another major power outage, plunging the national energy sector into uncertainty and revealing the fragility of the government's majority.
The United States sides with Argentina in YPF dispute
The U.S. government has supported Argentina’s request for a temporary suspension of an order to hand over its stake in YPF, a 16.1 billion USD judgment aimed at satisfying creditors.
The United States grants additional 15 months for coal ash management
The United States Environmental Protection Agency extends compliance deadlines for coal-fired power plant operators regarding groundwater monitoring and the closure of waste ponds.
Eskom plans 32GW of renewable energy in South Africa by 2040
Eskom aims to accelerate its energy transition through a new dedicated unit, despite a USD22.03bn debt and tariff uncertainties slowing investment.
U.S. Giants Invest Massively in AI and Energy in Pennsylvania
Several major U.S. corporations announce investments totaling nearly USD 90 billion to strengthen energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania, aimed at powering data centers vital to the rapid growth of the artificial intelligence sector.
Trump mobilises USD92bn in private investment for AI and electricity in the United States
Nearly USD92bn will be invested by major American and international groups in new data centres and energy infrastructure, responding to the surge in electricity demand linked to the rise of artificial intelligence.
Outages in Nouakchott expose weaknesses in Mauritania’s power grid
Nouakchott has endured lengthy power interruptions for several weeks, highlighting the financial and technical limits of the Mauritanian Electricity Company as Mauritania aims to widen access and green its mix by 2030.
Multilateral climate funds redirect energy finance towards emerging markets
Between 2015 and 2024, four multilateral climate funds committed nearly eight bn USD to clean energy, attracting private capital through concessional terms while Africa and Asia absorbed more than half of the volume.
Governments extend their stockpiles to cover 98 % of global oil
The Global Energy Policies Hub shows that strategic reserves, gas obligations, cybersecurity and critical-mineral policies are expanding rapidly, lifting oil coverage to 98 % of world imports.
Chinese trade-in programme cuts air-conditioning bills by $943mn
According to a report by Ember, the Chinese government’s appliance trade-in campaign could double residential air-conditioner efficiency gains in 2025 and trim up to USD943mn from household electricity spending this year.
Consent Preferences