On the heat pump production line of the Atlantic Group, at the Billy-Berclau site, Pas-de-Calais, France, on June 21, 2023. RICHARD BARON FOR « LE MONDE »
After several announcements, the long-awaited major electrification plan has finally been set in motion. Against the backdrop of war in Iran that has sent hydrocarbon prices soaring, the French government unveiled on Thursday, April 23, a list of 22 measures to boost demand for locally produced electricity – and thus reduce France's dependence on oil and gas purchased abroad. Electrification means "choosing not to import global crises into France, and into the wallets of the French people," the government said, as the cost of the conflict in the Middle East to public finances has already been estimated by the prime minister's office at nearly €6 billion.
This strategy is a corollary of France's energy roadmap presented in February – the country's third multiannual energy program – which aims to support the development of a largely decarbonized energy supply. However, oil, gas and, to a lesser extent, coal still account for about 60% of energy consumed in France, costing the country nearly €60 billion each year. The goal is to reduce their share to less than 30% by 2035, while electricity's share should rise to 38%, compared to 27% today.
