# France Energy Profile — Complete Reference

**URL:** https://thecodex.expert/energy/countries/france/
**Session:** 39 | **Date:** 2026-07-09

## Summary

France operates 57 nuclear reactors, largest fleet in Europe, ~65% of 2024 electricity (nuclear generation rose 320 TWh 2023 to 361 TWh 2024 as EDF resolved stress-corrosion cracking that made France a net importer in 2022, first time in 40+ years). Nuclear buildout began 1970s post-1973 OPEC oil embargo, first plant 1977, ~61.5 GW capacity by 1999. Flamanville 3 EPR (France's first new reactor in a generation) connected Dec 2024 after delays from 2015 manufacturing defects. Macron announced 'nuclear renaissance,' 14 new reactors by 2050 target, criticized by IEEFA as unrealistic/risks crowding out renewables. La Rance Tidal Power Station (Brittany) opened 1966 — world's first tidal plant, 240 MW/24 turbines, was world's largest tidal plant for 45 years until South Korea's Sihwa Lake (254MW) in 2011. ~500 GWh/yr, ~27% capacity factor, cost 1.8¢/kWh vs ~2.5¢/kWh nuclear. EDF (state-owned) produces ~95% of French electricity overall. Sources: US EIA, World Nuclear Association, IEEFA, Wikipedia, EDF Group, S&P Global.