France aims to reduce its gross GHG emissions by 50% by 2030

France’s Ministry of Ecological Transition has presented new objectives for its climate and energy transition, aiming to reduce its gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 1990 (up from a previous target of 40%) and to achieve 58% of carbon-free energy consumption by 2030 (including 34% of electricity and 23% of non-electricity renewables). The National Low-Carbon Strategy (Stratégie nationale bas-carbone, SNBC) is based on four pillars: accelerating the reduction in GHG emissions (a 126 Mt cut between 2022 and 2030 compared to a 144 Mt cut between 1990 and 2022), reducing France's carbon footprint, reducing energy consumption (by 30% by 2030 and by 50% by 2050, compared to 2012), and decarbonising the energy mix.

The country’s new versions of its National Low-Carbon Strategy and its Multi-Year Energy Program (Programmation pluriannuelle de l’énergie, PPE) outline the government’s French Energy and Climate Strategy, modifying its climate objectives to reflect consistency with the EU’s European Green Deal (“Fit for 55” package). The strategy is being open to public consultation until 15 December 2024.

In November 2023, the country released its draft NECP, targeting a 50% cut in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions excluding LULUCF by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. At the end of 2023, France’s emissions were estimated at 373 MtCO₂eq, representing about 26% below that of 1990.