France risks gas undershoot
The need for flexible back-up for renewables and nuclear plants may mean the country needs more gas than it thinks
France is bearish on gas demand, despite having built out one of the continent’s most modern combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) fleets over the past 15 years. Its 10-year energy and climate plan recently submitted to the European Commission sets out an objective to reduce primary gas consumption by 10pc by 2023 and 22pc by 2028 compared with 2012 levels. The country’s current annual gas consumption is around 470TWh (45.4bn m³). Energy efficiency in France’s building stock will be the main driver for demand reduction in the plan’s projections. Most of France’s 12GW gas-fired fleet is idle due to Covid-19 demand destruction. Last year, though, gas-fired power production in France increased by 2
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
