According to the French power transmission system operator (TSO) RTE, France’s power generation during 2024 reached its highest level in 5 years at 536.5 TWh. Most of the power generation came from nuclear (361.7 TWh, i.e., 67% of the power mix), which experienced a rapid recovery after two years of low production. Hydropower production had its highest production since 2013 at 74.7 TWh (14% of the mix), while wind and solar represented a combined 70 TWh (47 TWh and 23 TWh, respectively, totalling 13% of the power mix). Almost 28% of the power produced (148 TWh) came from renewable sources, while fossil fuels recorded the lowest level since the early 1950’s (19.9 TWh, below solar power generation). Overall, CO2-free power generation - nuclear and renewables - accounted for 95% of the power mix, resulting in a record low carbon intensity of 21.3 gCO2e/kWh.
With this, the country recovered production levels similar to those seen before the pandemic which allow it to increase its net electricity exports to neighbouring countries to a record level of 89 TWh. Electricity exports rose by 34% to 101 TWh, while imports halved (-51%) to 12 TWh.