Energy industry in France - statistics & facts
France’s energy supply was still dominated by fossil fuels and nuclear energy in 2023, the latter of which France is the most strenuous supporter and largest producer in Europe. Renewables still accounted for the smallest share of the primary energy consumed in the country that year, compared to some 48 percent coming from oil, gas, and coal and almost 35 percent from nuclear fuel. The fossil fuels consumed in the country were predominantly imported, making France’s energy sector vulnerable to market price fluctuations.
One of France’s ambitions for the next few years is a shift from an energy sector dependent on the international fossil fuel market to one that relies on domestic production of green electricity.
In comparison to energy consumption, France’s production of primary energy evolved over the past 20 years, which saw the share of fossil fuels decrease by over 85 percent and that of renewables double.
One of France’s ambitions for the next few years is a shift from an energy sector dependent on the international fossil fuel market to one that relies on domestic production of green electricity.
Energy consumption and production in France
The transportation and residential sectors account for the largest energy consumption in France. Most of the energy used by transportation in the country came from petroleum products in 2023. Renewable energy and biofuels contributed around seven percent to transportation energy consumption, while less than two percent of the sector was electrified. By comparison, the residential sector relied on electricity and non-electric renewable sources at over 60 percent, although natural gas still powered over a quarter of residential heating and cooking.In comparison to energy consumption, France’s production of primary energy evolved over the past 20 years, which saw the share of fossil fuels decrease by over 85 percent and that of renewables double.
