According to the French power transmission system operator (TSO) RTE's electricity system forecasts for the winter 2024-2025, the French power supply should be ensured throughout the winter. Electricity consumption remains at a low level, continuing the downward trend posted since 2022 (due to high electricity prices and savings efforts), and 2024 electricity consumption is anticipated to remain 6% below the 2014-2019 average, at around 448 TWh.
Meanwhile, the French power system should benefit from a higher low-carbon power generation, thanks to the improved availability of nuclear power plants after historical lows of 2022 and 2023 (expected nuclear power generation of 340-360 TWh). In addition, hydropower generation is expected to come close to the 2013 record (75 TWh), as production in the first 10 months of 2024 was 40% higher than over the same period of 2023. Renewable power generation from solar and wind is also developing. Coal-fired power generation should remain marginal and high gas stocks should help ensure smooth gas-fired power generation. This improved power generation and low electricity consumption is expected to raise net electricity exports to a record level in 2024 (up to 85 TWh, i.e. above the 2002 record of 77 TWh).