Primary energy production in France 2000-2023, by source

France's primary energy production was dominated by nuclear power in 2023, generating approximately 1,025 terawatt-hours. This underscores the country's continued reliance on nuclear energy, which accounted for 65 percent of France's electricity generation that year. France is the European leader in the nuclear energy sector, and one of the largest nuclear energy producers and consumers in the world.

Energy generation and consumption in France

While nuclear power remains paramount, renewable sources such as solid biomass, hydropower, and wind energy have increasingly become significant contributors to France's energy portfolio. The country's total primary energy production reached about 1,420 terawatt-hours in 2023, with fossil fuel’s generation declining to less than 10 terawatt-hours over the past two decades. However, France's primary energy consumption still relied heavily on oil and natural gas, following nuclear energy as the leading sources. By comparison, renewable energy contribution to the country’s energy mix that year was below 1.5 exajoules, including hydropower. 

France’s energy outlook

France's energy transition strategy aligns with global trends towards increased renewable energy consumption and energy efficiency. As countries worldwide expand and modernize their energy industry to address climate challenges, France ranked seventh among the countries with the largest clean electricity capacity in the world.