In 2024, France has reached an unprecedented level of electricity exports, marking its strongest performance in 22 years. This achievement highlights the country’s growing role as a key player in the European energy market, driven by a combination of increased nuclear and hydropower production, as well as a decline in domestic energy consumption.
One of the key factors behind France’s energy success is the significant recovery of its nuclear fleet. After years of maintenance and upgrades, France’s nuclear plants are now operating at near full capacity. By January 2025, the country’s nuclear capacity is expected to reach 50 gigawatts (GW), enabling it to meet domestic energy needs while boosting exports to neighboring countries.
In addition to nuclear power, France has seen a remarkable surge in hydropower production, which hit a record 62 terawatt-hours (TWh) by the end of October 2024. This represents a 40% increase from the previous year and is largely attributed to favorable weather conditions, including abundant rainfall, and improved water storage management.
France’s natural gas reserves, replenished ahead of the winter season, provide additional flexibility to balance peak electricity demand and facilitate trade with its European neighbors. The country’s energy strategy is further supported by a sustained decline in domestic electricity consumption, which fell by 6% in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decrease is largely due to energy efficiency measures, such as investments in more energy-efficient appliances, as well as broader energy-saving practices by both households and businesses.
France’s success in electricity exports is not new. In 2023, it became Europe’s leading net electricity exporter, with a surplus of 50.1 TWh. In the first half of 2024, net exports rose to 42 TWh, up from 13 TWh during the same period in 2023. Neighboring countries, particularly Germany, Italy, and Spain, have relied heavily on French electricity imports to stabilize their own energy grids, as they face challenges with fossil fuel-based power generation and intermittent renewable energy sources.
While this growing dependence on French electricity exports brings significant benefits, it also presents challenges. On one hand, exports help stabilize prices and enhance France’s position in the European energy market. On the other hand, the increasing reliance on French exports could become a vulnerability, particularly in the event of disruptions such as adverse weather conditions or technical failures affecting domestic production. To ensure the long-term resilience of its energy system, France must continue to diversify its energy sources and maintain a robust infrastructure for both domestic consumption and exports.
In conclusion, 2024 has been a landmark year for France in terms of electricity exports, showcasing its strong energy balance and positioning the country as a leading energy exporter in Europe. However, ensuring the continued stability of the electrical grid will require careful planning and diversification, as European neighbors increasingly rely on France for their energy needs.
