France is adopting the 'Energiewende'

A clear sign for renewable energy is coming from France these days: The French government has approved a national energy policy for France yesterday. The country which is mainly known for its nuclear power wants to radically rebuild its energy supply in the upcoming years.

Thus, according to media reports, the share of nuclear power in the electricity mix will have to be lowered from 75 percent to 50 percent in the next decade and even to 40 percent by 2030. By 2050 France also wants to reduce its CO2 emissions by 75 percent compared to 1990 levels.

To reach these ambitious figures, the government wants to reduce the future energy consumption of the country and support investment in renewable energies. The reconstruction of buildings and use of electric cars will be supported specially. Furthermore, new financing options for renewables will be introduced – e.g. 400 million euros will be provided for renewable energy projects like new offshore wind farms.

The French Environment Minister Ségolène Royal told the press, the law is the "most ambitious of Europe". Meanwhile, the conservative opposition criticized the law as not feasible, pointing out rising electricity prices.