Erano 20 anni che la Francia non esportava così tanta elettricità in un solo trimestre: grazie al nucleare e alle energie rinnovabili, le esportazioni francesi potrebbero battere il loro record nel 2025.

Pierre Lann for BFM Business

Increases in production from nuclear power plants and renewable energy sources enable large quantities of electricity to be exported to neighboring countries.

This is good news for France’s trade balance. Between July and October, net electricity exports reached their highest level in twenty years, according to data from RTE, the network operator. This is due to increased production in the nuclear and renewable energy sectors. In July, the electricity trade balance came close to the historic record set in May 2024, with 8.9 TWh exported (compared to 9.2 TWh in May). Since then, it has remained at a high level.

French nuclear production has increased by around 12% this year. Combined with strong renewable energy production, this increase has put downward pressure on electricity prices and boosted exports to neighboring countries,” observes Michael Schrettle, an expert at the Volue analysis firm, interviewed by Bloomberg.

In recent months, exports have surged to Switzerland, where production problems have arisen. The Gösgen nuclear power plant, for example, will be disconnected from the grid until February for repairs to the water supply system.

The increase in exports can also be explained by relatively weak demand in France. During the first six months of the year, demand remained 6-7% below the levels observed in the 2010s, before the health crisis, according to RTE. This is partly due to high electricity prices. These prices are forcing households to consume less in order to save money, and are not providing sufficient incentive for manufacturers to abandon gas or fuel oil.

Towards a record year?

At this rate, 2025 could match or even surpass the record exports of 2024. Last year, the net balance of electricity trade reached 89 TWh, smashing the previous record set in 2002 (76 TWh) and bringing in €5 billion for France. By the end of October 2025, the balance was already 73 TWh. By the end of October 2025, the balance was already 73 TWh, and the third quarter generated €1.2 billion in net revenue, according to customs data.

This is a spectacular rebound after 2022, a disastrous year for the French electricity system. EDF’s nuclear production had fallen to its lowest level in 30 years due to stress corrosion detected in several reactors. For the first time in 42 years, France found itself a net importer of electricity for almost the entire year.

Oooh, that’s good right?

While Germany closed down it’s stations and is now burning coal to provide electricity. Well done, greens!