[Nuclear by the Numbers] France’s Net Electricity Exports (2005–2024)

With the series “Nuclear by the Numbers,” RGN sheds light on energy challenges through key data. Today, we focus on France’s electricity exports to its neighbors, which reached a record high in 2024, driven by the strong performance of its nuclear fleet.

Historically, France has been a net electricity exporter to its European neighbors. In 2024, the country set a new record with 89 TWh exported. The RGN article “France sets a historic record for electricity exports” highlights this achievement, supported by a nuclear output of approximately 360 TWh, along with significant contributions from renewable and hydroelectric power. France is now more than ever Europe’s powerhouse, supplying electricity that is largely low-carbon. Notably, Germany, whose electricity mix remains heavily carbon-intensive, benefited the most from these exports.

However, just two years ago, the situation was quite different. In 2022, the stress corrosion issue forced EDF to shut down several reactors, reducing nuclear fleet availability to 54%. At the same time, an exceptional drought severely impacted hydroelectric production, plunging France into net electricity imports for the first time in decades. That year, France’s nuclear output fell to its lowest level since 1992.

The Need for Electrification

Between 2005 and 2024, France has occasionally been a net electricity importer, particularly from Germany. Across the Rhine, massive wind and solar development, combined with coal and gas generation, has led to periods of overproduction and exports at very low or even negative prices.

Looking ahead, if France successfully electrifies key sectors such as transportation and data centers, the share of electricity exports could decline. However, in the short term, the Flamanville EPR, expected to reach full power in summer 2025, should provide additional export capacity for the country. ■