France Unveils Ambitious PPE3 Energy Strategy Emphasizing Nuclear Role in Carbon Neutrality

On February 13, 2026, the French government published the third edition of its Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE3), laying out an ambitious energy policy for 2026-2035 aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The PPE3 forms a critical part of France's broader Strategy for Energy and Climate and sets key targets including a 50% reduction in total energy consumption from 2012 levels, phasing out coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas by 2050.

The strategy focuses on ensuring energy sovereignty, accessibility, affordability, and, most crucially, decarbonization of France's energy mix. To meet the increasing electricity demand projected to rise from 470 TWh in 2019 to 616 TWh by 2035, the government plans to expand its nuclear capacity significantly. This includes constructing six new EPR2 nuclear reactors in Normandy and investing nearly €50 billion in maintaining existing reactors under the "Grand carénage" program. The target is to have 57 reactors producing 360 TWh, supplying over half of the anticipated 640 TWh electricity demand, with renewables like wind, solar, and hydropower providing the remainder.

Currently, nuclear energy accounts for 37% of France's total energy consumption and 68% of electricity production, while oil remains at 31%. PPE3 aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence to 29% by 2035 while increasing electricity's share to 95% decarbonized by 2026.

However, some experts like nuclear science researcher Emmanuelle Galichet acknowledge that despite the strategy's strength in nuclear and renewables, it lacks sufficient focus on low-carbon heat production, a key area for residential and industrial sectors. Galichet calls for stronger investment and innovation in this domain to complement the energy transition.

Public participation was robust, with over 50,000 participants generating 7,500 proposals and 1.2 million votes shaping the PPE3 framework. The strategy strives to balance energy efficiency, electrification, and sobriety in consumption to meet environmental and economic goals.

Overall, France's updated energy policy under PPE3 underscores nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its carbon neutrality strategy, supported by renewables and efficiency measures, aiming to secure a sustainable energy future with controlled costs and reduced fossil fuel reliance.