The French government has trimmed its offshore wind ambitions for 2035, lowering its target to 15 GW from the previously planned 18 GW, as part of its newly published PPE3 energy plan, which sets out the country’s energy strategy for the 2026–2035 period and its pathway towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Under the updated roadmap, offshore wind development will continue, but at a more moderate pace, reflecting what the government describes as current industrial, infrastructure and grid connection constraints. The revised target represents a strategic recalibration, with a stronger emphasis placed on nuclear power as the backbone of France’s future electricity system.

Nuclear energy emerges as the main beneficiary of the new plan, with the government confirming the construction of six new EPR2 reactors, scheduled for initial commissioning from 2038, alongside an option for eight additional units. The strategy also includes the consolidation and lifetime extension of France’s 57 existing nuclear reactors, as well as operational optimisation aimed at achieving 380 TWh of nuclear generation by 2030.

In parallel, hydropower capacity will be reinforced through a 2.8 GW increase in dam capacity, including 640 MW added to existing concessions, strengthening the role of dispatchable renewable generation in the country’s power mix.

Onshore wind will also see a shift in approach, with the government prioritising the repowering of existing wind farms to increase capacity while limiting environmental and landscape impacts. The revised targets set installed onshore wind capacity at 31 GW by 2030 and 35–40 GW by 2035, compared with around 24 GW in 2025.

The publication of PPE3 comes after prolonged political delays, driven by months of instability, multiple changes of prime minister and increasing political pressure from parties critical of renewable energy expansion. Despite reaffirming its commitment to decarbonisation, the government has opted for a more nuclear-centric trajectory, reshaping the balance of France’s energy transition strategy.