- France will release its 2025-2035 energy roadmap by April 2025, with revised solar energy targets after consultations with industry stakeholders.
- The plan aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption to 42% by 2030, aligning with the EU’s “Fit for 55” climate goals.
- Critics, including the High Council for Climate, call for more ambitious measures, warning of potential economic risks from overproduction in the renewable energy sector.
France will release its energy roadmap for 2025-2035 by early April 2025. The third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) draft aims to guide the country towards carbon neutrality by 2050. After consulting industry stakeholders in late 2024, officials plan to revise solar energy targets. Authorities will present these final adjustments for public consultation soon.
The roadmap sets a clear goal to reduce fossil fuel consumption, including oil and gas, from 60% in 2022 to 42% by 2030. This effort aligns with the European Union’s “Fit for 55” initiative, which targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the plan. The High Council for Climate claims that certain measures fall short of France’s climate goals. The Environmental Authority urges ambitious targets and calls for stronger actions to meet European commitments. These critiques highlight the difficulty of balancing fast-paced decarbonisation with economic concerns.
Electricity production capacity also faces scrutiny. Vincent Berger, High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, warns that pushing solar energy too aggressively could lead to overproduction. He stresses that excess electricity could strain public finances and increase consumer costs without sufficient growth in energy exports. Berger supports reducing the growth targets for solar energy in the roadmap.
Officials will submit the draft decree to the High Council for Energy in March, and the government plans to release the final text by the end of March or early April. While defending the overall strategy, the government remains open to adjustments based on expert recommendations.
The roadmap seeks to cut reliance on fossil fuels, boost renewable energy, and drive France toward carbon neutrality by 2050. However, decision-makers must address the tension between decarbonisation and economic stability. Finding a balanced approach is critical for long-term success.
France’s solar energy targets have sparked debate throughout the process. Solar power forms a significant part of the renewable energy strategy. Critics argue that setting excessively high targets could lead to inefficiencies in energy supply management. The government must carefully balance renewable growth with the capacity to export surplus electricity.
The “Fit for 55” initiative promotes significant emissions cuts as part of Europe’s broader climate policy. France’s energy roadmap plays a key role in this context. However, critics say the current plan lacks the ambition to fully meet these goals. Many call for more aggressive measures to ensure France remains on track to meet its international commitments.
As the final consultation approaches, the government faces pressure to fine-tune its energy targets. France’s energy roadmap plays a central role in national planning and its broader climate strategy. How policymakers balance decarbonisation efforts with economic realities will shape the roadmap’s success.
The government will continue refining the energy strategy in the weeks leading up to the April deadline.