The French Government’s Multiannual Energy Programme: A Vision for the Future
The French government has laid out a comprehensive vision for energy production and consumption through its third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE), addressing pivotal challenges in energy strategy from 2026 to 2035. At the heart of this ambitious plan lies the construction of six new nuclear reactors and the commitment to extend the lifespan of the existing nuclear fleet. This strategic approach indicates a significant commitment to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of France’s energy future.
What is the Multiannual Energy Programme?
The Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE) is not a binding piece of legislation but serves as a guiding roadmap for the country’s energy policy over the next decade. Its objectives are crystal clear: reduce dependence on fossil fuels and facilitate a seamless transition to a sustainable energy system. The importance of this plan cannot be overstated, especially in light of the pressing global climate crisis.
Extensive Consultations: Grounded in Reality
The PPE3 is the result of extensive consultations commenced in 2022. Input was gathered from parliamentarians, industry stakeholders, and local leaders, allowing for a well-rounded perspective on the needs and ambitions for future energy policies. This collaborative effort reflects the seriousness with which the French government is approaching this transition. Parliamentary debates from spring 2025 and the latest scenarios from the transmission system operator RTE have further informed this roadmap.
Decarbonisation Goals
One of the standout goals of PPE3 is to ramp up decarbonised electricity production to between 650 and 693 TWh by 2035, a dramatic increase from 458 TWh in 2023. Simultaneously, fossil fuel consumption is projected to be reduced to around 330 TWh by 2035, down from 900 TWh in 2023. This dual approach aims to drastically shift the country’s energy consumption pattern, targeting a decarbonisation rate of 60% by 2030 and 70% by 2035.
Emphasis on Nuclear Energy
The framework further elevates nuclear power within its strategy, targeting an annual nuclear production of 380-420 TWh between 2030 and 2035, a notable increase from the previous target. This aligns consistently with EDF’s proposal of achieving around 400 TWh. The government’s endorsement of the nuclear sector is clear, marking a renaissance described by President Emmanuel Macron in 2022 when he called for the extension of existing reactors alongside plans for new EPR2 reactors.
Strategic Initiatives Under PPE3
The PPE3 document lays out several critical initiatives, including:
- Lifecycle Extension: Extending the operational lifespan of existing reactors up to 50 or even 60 years, contingent on safety assessments.
- New Reactor Construction: The plan includes building six new EPR2 reactors, with considerations for eight additional units by 2026.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): The introduction of these advanced, smaller reactors is slated for the early 2030s.
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle: A renewed commitment towards the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle further emphasizes the government’s dedication to sustainable nuclear practices.
Interestingly, PPE3 abandons earlier objectives concerning the decommissioning of reactors, including the controversial closure of the Fessenheim plant.
Economic and Job Growth Potential
According to the government, implementing PPE3 could generate over 120,000 jobs by 2030, especially in fields like nuclear power, solar energy, and offshore wind projects. Additionally, this strategic shift aims to decrease reliance on fossil fuel imports, which significantly burden the national economy by costing nearly €60 billion annually.
Industry Reactions and Support
The responses from various industry stakeholders indicate broad support for the government’s vision. Key players like EDF, Framatome, and Orano praised the clarity and ambition of the PPE3. Framatome noted the importance of electrification and the sustainable development of the nuclear sector in ensuring job creation and energy production continuity.
EDF’s commitment to the new reactor construction and the extension of existing facilities were highlighted as crucial steps toward meeting the country’s energy objectives. Bernard Fontana, EDF’s Chairman and CEO, underscored the program’s importance in providing future generations with competitive and sustainable energy.
Orano, reiterating its role in the nuclear fuel cycle, emphasized the stability the programme offers for managing industrial projects, which is vital for contributing to a low-carbon energy supply for both industries and households.
The Role of Nuclear Energy in Energy Sovereignty
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l’Énergie Nucléaire (Gifen) articulated its views on the protective nature of nuclear energy, describing it as a fundamental aspect of France’s energy sovereignty. By facilitating a tenable and low-carbon energy framework, nuclear power serves not only to tackle climate challenges but also supports critical sectors in France’s reindustrialisation efforts.
The establishment of PPE3 signifies a consequential step toward a more sustainable and secure energy future for France, illustrating an unwavering commitment to nuclear power while allowing for the integration of renewable resources. The journey from policy to practice will undoubtedly require collaboration across governmental, industry, and societal lines as France embarks on this ambitious path.