France’s low-carbon strategy targets 50% gross GHG emissions cut by 2030

The National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC), a roadmap designed to guide France toward carbon neutrality by 2050, was opened for consultation on 12 December 2025. Its objectives now extend through 2050, the target year for achieving carbon neutrality. The strategy sets a new target of reducing gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (not including carbon sinks) by 50% by 2030 compared with 1990, up from the previous 40% target. For the first time, the SNBC also establishes goals to reduce France’s carbon footprint, aiming for a 71–79% decrease by 2050 relative to 2010, equivalent to 2.3–3.1 tCO₂e per capita, down from around 9 tCO₂e today, including emissions associated with imports. To achieve these targets, the SNBC outlines sector-specific actions:

• Transport, the largest-emitting sector (34% of total emissions in 2023), is targeted for a 26% reduction by 2030 (compared to 1990) and near-carbon neutrality by 2050. Key measures include expanding electric vehicle adoption (two-thirds of new car sales), doubling rail freight, and increasing public transport usage by 25%.
• Buildings aim to cut emissions by 60% by 2030 and 97% by 2050 (compared with 1990) through large-scale renovations, replacing oil and gas boilers, and installing at least 8.8 million heat pumps by 2030.
• Agriculture targets a 28% reduction by 2030 and 54% by 2050 relative to 1990.
• Industry is expected to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030 and 97% by 2050 compared with 1990.
• In the energy sector, the country aims to cut emissions by 67% by 2030 and 96% by 2050. Coal-fired power generation is set to end by 2027, while oil and gas production is scheduled to cease by 2040. Fossil oil usage is expected to be phased out between 2040 and 2045, with fossil gas fully eliminated by 2050.

The SNBC continues to aim for a 55% reduction in net GHG emissions by 2030, including carbon sinks, in line with the European target. The final decree is expected to be published in spring 2026.