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France’s primary energy consumption decreased by 9.9% in 2020

According to preliminary data from the Ministry of the Ecological Transition, France’s primary energy consumption decreased by 9.9% in 2020 to 2,571 TWh. Final energy consumption declined by 7.9% to 1,637 TWh in 2020, including 147 TWh for non-energy uses (final consumption for energy use at constant climate declined by 5.6% in 2020). The lockdown measures and travel restrictions had a significant impact on energy consumption in the transport and industrial sectors: energy consumption fell by nearly 16% in transport and by 6.5% in industry. The energy consumption of residential and tertiary building adjusted for climate variations increased slightly (+1.5% with climate corrections).

On the supply side, primary energy production tumbled by 8.7% in 2020 to 1,423 TWh as nuclear power generation fell by 11.3% to 1,072 TWh. The primary production of thermal renewable energy and energy from waste also declined by 4.2% to 224 TWh in 2020. On the contrary, primary production of renewable electricity (hydropower, wind, solar) increased by 12% to 117 TWh.

Overall, the fall in oil consumption (mostly from transports) and the lower thermal power generation, which contributed to a 23% decrease in coal consumption and a 5% decline in gas consumption, reduced energy-related CO2 emissions by 11% in 2020.