France is accelerating its shift toward clean energy, supported by the rapid deployment of wind and solar power, the modernization of hydropower, and strong government policy backing. The country’s cumulative renewable power capacity is expected to rise from 59.1 GW in 2024 to 163.1 GW by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% over the period, according to GlobalData.

GlobalData’s latest report, “France Power Market Trends and Analysis by Capacity, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Regulations, Key Players and Forecast to 2035,” highlights that wind and solar will remain the primary drivers of renewable growth. Onshore wind capacity is projected to increase from 22.9 GW in 2024 to 36 GW by 2035, while offshore wind is set for a major scale-up, expanding from 1.5 GW to 10.7 GW. This offshore expansion is being led by large-scale projects in Normandy and Brittany, supported through Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions and the government’s offshore acceleration strategy.

Solar PV is also expected to see strong growth, increasing from 30.5 GW in 2024 to 111.2 GW by 2035. This rise will be supported by rooftop solar programs, agrivoltaic project development, and initiatives led by regional energy communities. Biopower and small hydropower will continue to contribute to diversification, backed by the National Hydropower Strategy, which promotes modernization and flexibility upgrades in existing facilities.

Mohammed Ziauddin, Power Analyst at GlobalData, notes that nuclear power will remain central to France’s low-carbon electricity system, although its capacity growth will be limited. Nuclear capacity is forecast to increase only marginally, from 61.4 GW in 2024 to 63 GW by 2035. “The Grand Carénage program aimed at extending reactor lifetimes, along with plans for six new EPR2 reactors, will ensure long-term energy security alongside expanding renewables,” Ziauddin explains.

France’s updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP 2024) and Multiannual Energy Plan (PPE) provide a structured pathway to accelerate clean energy deployment. Policy developments—including the transition from feed-in tariffs to CfDs, the National Hydrogen Strategy backed by €7 billion in funding, and major grid upgrades led by transmission operator RTE—are strengthening investor confidence and improving system flexibility.

However, the country continues to face structural challenges. These include permitting delays, local opposition to onshore wind installations, and grid congestion in renewable-rich regions such as Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Rising curtailment levels highlight the need for faster infrastructure development and closer coordination between grid expansion and renewable deployment.

Ziauddin concludes that France’s growing renewable capacity—supported by strong policy alignment, offshore wind build-out, and power grid modernization—marks a significant step toward strengthening energy resilience and advancing its decarbonization goals. With stable nuclear generation complemented by rapid renewable expansion, France is positioned to maintain system reliability while progressing toward a low-carbon energy future.