France's Clean Energy Output Reaches Six-year High, Surpassing European Peers

France's power producers have achieved a six-year high in clean energy output this year, generating approximately 95% of the country's power from clean sources. This surpasses clean power production in other European nations. The increase occurred despite declines in wind and hydro power, offset by record solar generation and high nuclear output. France's robust energy output has resulted in some of the lowest wholesale power prices in mainland Europe, averaging 25% to 35% below Germany and Italy. Nuclear energy forms the backbone of France's power generation, accounting for around 70% of electricity supplies. To reduce reliance on nuclear reactors, France has boosted other power sources and closed outdated plants. France's power system generated nearly 98% of its electricity from clean energy sources in April, the cleanest monthly share since mid-2024. This compares favorably to the UK (65%), Germany (60%), and Europe as a whole (64%). The expansion of clean power capacity has helped keep France's power costs among the lowest in Europe, giving French firms a competitive advantage in exporting surplus power.