France launches second electrification phase

The second phase of France's national electrification plan was launched on October 15, 2026, as the government seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels during an ongoing energy crisis. The plan focuses on protecting consumer purchasing power while speeding up the use of electricity that is both competitive and low in carbon emissions.

Key measures and responsibilities

Deputy Minister for Energy Maud Bregeon will present the plan’s measures, which include social leasing for electric vehicles, easier access to electric vehicles, transparency on recharging prices, support for local governments, industrial electrification, and efforts to mobilize the entire value chain around electrical flexibility.

Long-term goals and energy mix

The electrification plan, first introduced in the spring, aims to reduce the share of fossil fuels in energy consumption from about 60% in 2023 to less than 30% by 2035. At the same time, the share of electricity in energy use must rise from the current 27% to 38% by 2035, relying on abundant and low-carbon electricity production, mostly from nuclear power and renewable sources like hydro, wind, and solar.

Support for households and electrification zones

The plan includes 22 measures, such as a turnkey offer to help low-income households replace gas or oil boilers with electric heat pumps. In September, the government announced 100 "electrification territories" that will receive extra support until 2030 to help transport, buildings, industry, and craftsmanship shift from fossil fuels to electricity.

Changes in support for heat pumps

According to one report, support for installing air-to-water and geothermal heat pumps (Pac) will no longer be provided through the combination of MaPrimeRénov' (MPR) and energy savings certificates (CEE), but only through the latter. Another report notes that the construction sector is most affected by the new measures, with new initiatives being implemented to speed up electrification.