Renewable energy

The development of renewable energy strengthens energy security, supports the electrification of the economy and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels. France’s strategy is built on the complementarity of solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, biogas, geothermal energy and heat pumps, integrated with nuclear power, energy grids, storage solutions and system flexibility.

The sector in figures

• Renewable energy sources accounted for 23.7% of gross final energy consumption in France in 2025.
• France’s primary generation of renewable energy reached 399 TWh in 2025.
• Renewable electricity generation amounted to 148 TWh in 2025.
• As of June 30, 2026, solar photovoltaic capacity reached 34.0 GW; 3.0 GW had been connected during the first half of 2026.
• As of June 30, 2026, wind power capacity reached 26.7 GW, consisting of 24.4 GW onshore and 2.3 GW offshore; 0.8 GW had been connected during the first half of 2026.
• In 2022, the most recent year for which consolidated economic data is available, renewable energy sources generated €21.7 billion in investments and 118,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

France's ambitions

The PPE3 Multi-Year Energy Plan for 2026-2035 aims to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, increase the generation of carbon-free energy and adapt energy grids.

The target for the share of carbon-free energy in final consumption is approximately 60% by 2030 and 70% by 2035, while the generation of carbon-free electricity is set to reach 650-693 TWh by 2035, up from 458 TWh in 2023.

• Solar photovoltaic: 48 GW by 2030 and 55-80 GW by 2035.
• Onshore wind: 31 GW by 2030 and 35-40 GW by 2035.
• Offshore wind: 15 GW by 2035 and at least 45 GW by 2050.
• Hydropower: Modernization of facilities and development of pumped-storage power plants.
• Grids, storage and flexibility: Adaptation of infrastructure and strengthening of French and European value chains.

Largely carbon-free electricity

In 2025, low-carbon generation sources, comprising nuclear and renewables, accounted for 95.2% of the electricity generated in metropolitan France. This advantage supports the decarbonization of industrial processes and the establishment of electricity-intensive operations.

Diverse resources and ecosystems

France possesses a combination of maritime, hydroelectric, solar, agricultural, forestry and geothermal potential. Its value chain spans project development, engineering, equipment, cables, grids, storage, maintenance and recycling, encompassing large corporations, mid-sized companies, SMEs and startups.

Developing sectors and infrastructure

Solar power is experiencing the fastest growth among renewable electricity sources. The offshore wind sector is building an industrial supply chain, encompassing ports, turbines, foundations and cables. Hydropower remains strategic, due to its dispatchable and flexible nature. RTE, Enedis and major industrial ports are facilitating the grid connection and expansion of these sectors.

High-level research

French research stakeholders are focusing on areas including low-carbon solar energy, floating wind power, equipment recyclability, smart grids, energy storage and agri-solar power.

Deployment support framework

The PPE3 Multi-Year Energy Plan organizes regular calls for tenders for solar power, onshore wind and offshore wind projects. Feed-in tariffs and premium payments (a form of top-up remuneration) help secure project revenues, depending on the specific technology and capacity involved.

Accelerated regional development

The Act of March 10, 2023 facilitates project development, prioritizes the use of already developed land, strengthens requirements for solar energy installation, provides a regulatory framework for agri-solar power and improves planning for offshore wind energy.

Support for industrialization and innovation

The Green Industry Tax Credit, extended until December 31, 2028, supports industrial investments in solar energy, wind power, batteries and heat pumps. This support is further complemented by the Solar Pact, the “France 2030” investment plan, ADEME, Bpifrance and various European programs.

• Siemens Gamesa

On June 15, 2026, in Le Havre (Normandie), Siemens Gamesa inaugurated an expansion of its offshore wind turbine facility. Among other things, the €200 million investment will enable the generation of 115-meter recyclable blades and will create 200 jobs.

• EnBW / Valeco

EnBW is expanding its renewable energy operations in France through Valeco. The group plans to invest €140 million annually in 2026 and 2027. In August 2026, Valeco began construction on a 118 MW agri-solar power plant in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region.

• Enertrag

The German group Enertrag plans to invest €1.1 billion in the development of new renewable energy generation and storage capacity in France, in an announcement made during the 2026 “Choose France” summit.