French electricity use rises, production booms amid decarbonization push

France's electricity consumption saw a modest 1% increase in the first half of 2026, marking a positive signal for the nation's energy transition. Since 2023, total growth has reached 2.2%, a welcome development for a country aiming to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. However, consumption remains 5.7% below 2014-2019 levels.

The uptick in energy use reflects economic health, with increases seen in both household and industrial sectors, notably steel and chemistry. RTE, the electricity grid operator, cautiously suggests this might be influenced by geopolitical tensions, while noting it's too early to attribute the rise to the government's electrification plan. Future growth is anticipated from electric vehicle charging and data centers.

Meanwhile, electricity production surged by 4.6% in the same period. This growth is supported by the established nuclear fleet and the initial output from the Flamanville EPR reactor, alongside contributions from solar and wind power. The share of electricity generated from fossil fuels, primarily gas, continues to decline.

Consequently, French electricity is now 95% decarbonized, and its price is largely independent of gas prices. The average daily spot price fell to 61.9 euros per megawatt-hour, down from 66.7 euros a year prior. This decoupling enhances industrial competitiveness and strengthens France's energy sovereignty, reducing dependence on imported gas and oil.