France unveils PPE3 energy roadmap for 650 TWh carbon-free power by 2035

France will finally publish its third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE3) on Feb. 13, setting targets to boost carbon-free electricity generation by up to 51% from 2023, with a focus on new reactors and some wind and solar, the government said Feb. 12.

The strategy, covering 2026-2035, has been on hold since 2024 amid political instability.

It now aims for 650 TWh to 693 TWh of carbon-free electricity by 2035 to allow 70% of France's primary energy to be decarbonized, the government said.

"PPE3 is an ambitious, realistic and adaptable plan to build a sovereign, decarbonized and competitive energy system," the government said in the statement.

The plan, like the current PPE2, could reshape European power markets by expanding France's role as an electricity exporter while reducing its reliance on fossil fuel imports currently worth nearly Eur60 billion ($64 billion) annually, it said.

The program centers on reviving France's nuclear sector with the construction of six EPR2 reactors for commissioning from 2038.

There is an option for eight more reactors, the government said.

The strategy is also aimed at optimizing the existing 57-reactor fleet to reach 380 TWh of nuclear generation by 2030 while extending reactor lifespans.

An investment decision for the first six is still planned by the end of 2026, it said.

State-owned utility EDF currently estimates the cost of the six EPR2 reactors at Eur73 billion, to be financed via state loans of at least 50% and underpinned by 40-year contracts for difference.

The PPE3 sets the maximum CFD price at Eur100/MWh (in 2024 prices).

Less ambitious wind, solar aims

For offshore wind, France reduced its ambition, setting a 15 GW target for 2035.

The government said the revised target aims to maximize industrial benefits while accounting for project development timelines.

For onshore wind, the strategy prioritizes repowering existing wind farms to boost capacity while reducing landscape impacts.

This translates into a 31-GW target for 2030 and 35-40 GW by 2035, compared with around 24 GW currently.

Solar capacity is set to reach 48 GW in 2030 and 55-80 GW in 2035, up from nearly 30 GW in 2025.

In total, this would double French wind and solar generation from a record 79 TWh in 2025 to about 141 TWh in 2030.

By 2035, wind and solar ranges could yield 206 TWh to 248 TWh, significantly below a November 2024 PPE3 draft.

Meanwhile, hydropower capacity will increase by 2.8 GW, including an additional 640 MW on existing concessions, the government said.

Average annual hydro output is kept flat at about 54 TWh through to 2035.

FRANCE: CLEAN POWER TARGETS IN PPE3

Source: French energy ministry PPE 3 (Feb. 2026)

Review in 2027

National power demand is forecast to reach 618 TWh by 2035, driven by the electrification of industry, construction, mobility and digital sectors.

A new national electrification plan will launch in February 2026 to support this transition, the government said.

For non-electric energy uses, France targets expanding renewable and recovered heat to 328-421 TWh in 2035 from 172 TWh in 2023, biomethane to 47-82 TWh from 9 TWh, and biofuels to 70-90 TWh from 38 TWh.

Hydrogen capacity is set to reach up to 8 GW.

Consultation on PPE3 began in 2022, culminating in parliamentary debates starting in spring 2025 and scenarios published by grid operator RTE in December.

The plan includes a 2027 review clause to adapt the trajectory to actual needs.

France has become Europe's biggest exporter of electricity as power prices deflated amid oversupply from nuclear and renewables.

French year-ahead power prices have dropped below Eur50/MWh, levels not seen since 2020, with Cal 2027 settling Feb. 11 at Eur49.16/MWh on EEX.