A document published Friday by the newly formed Fédération Nationale de l’Énergie Solaire (FNES) reveals the French government’s intention to pivot heavily toward nuclear power while delaying solar and wind deployment targets. Though not officially released, the document was dated today and appeared on LinkedIn, suggesting the roadmap may be imminent.
According to the statement, the government plans to “increase nuclear development targets” and raise operational availability for existing nuclear reactors. While it does not specify the number of new nuclear units, the roadmap must align with France’s energy programming bill currently under parliamentary debate, which includes 27 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2050.
At the same time, renewable energy goals are being scaled back or postponed. Targets for solar, onshore wind, and offshore wind have been delayed, citing “lower-than-expected power demand in recent years” and the desire to “optimise industrial returns for French manufacturers.” A draft version of the roadmap from March aimed for 65–90 GW of solar by 2035, along with 40–45 GW of onshore wind and 18 GW of offshore wind.
Significantly, the leaked document notes the roadmap could still be revised to reflect the final outcome of the energy programming bill, set for a second reading in the National Assembly in September.
The bill has stirred political controversy. In June, the lower house rejected it after divisive amendments, including a proposed moratorium on new wind and solar projects. The Senate later passed a revised, nuclear-heavy version in July. Critics warn that prematurely releasing the roadmap could inflame tensions, particularly among right-wing MPs who view early publication as a breach of legislative protocol.
French energy minister Marc Ferracci recently told Sud Radio the decision to publish rests with the Prime Minister: “I’m hoping it happens quickly – our nuclear and renewables sectors need visibility,” he said.
