France’s PPE3 Program Aims for 55-80 GW Solar by 2035
France is charting an ambitious course for its energy future with the launch of its third multiannual energy program, known as PPE3 (Programme Pluriannuel de l’Énergie 3). This comprehensive strategy sets clear, aggressive targets to accelerate the nation’s energy transition, with a significant emphasis on solar power. Central to the plan is the goal of installing between 55 and 80 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity by 2035, marking a monumental step towards decarbonization.
The Solar Trajectory of the France solar program
The PPE3 program outlines a strategic, phased approach to scaling up France’s solar infrastructure. The plan aims for a steady increase in capacity over the next decade, building on current momentum to achieve its long-term objectives. The roadmap includes:
- By 2025: Reaching approximately 30 GW of installed solar capacity.
- By 2030: Increasing capacity to 48 GW.
- By 2035: Achieving the final target range of 55-80 GW.
This progressive ramp-up is designed to ensure continuous development in power generation and support a stable transition away from fossil fuels.
A Comprehensive Decarbonization Strategy with the France solar program
While the solar target is a headline figure, it is part of a much broader vision for a cleaner energy system. The PPE3 program aims to have 60% of France’s power consumption mix come from decarbonized sources by 2030, increasing to 70% by 2035.
To achieve this, the plan sets several key objectives across the energy sector. A primary goal is a drastic reduction in fossil fuel consumption, targeting a drop from 900 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023 to around 330 TWh by 2035. Concurrently, total decarbonized energy generation is projected to rise from 544 TWh in 2025 to between 650 and 693 TWh by 2035.
Diversifying the Renewable Energy Mix with the France solar program
The PPE3 program recognizes that a resilient green energy grid relies on a diverse portfolio of sources. Alongside solar, the plan establishes firm targets for other key renewable technologies:
- Offshore Wind: A target of 15 GW by 2035, taking into account industrial, infrastructure, and grid constraints.
- Renewable and Recovered Heat: An ambitious goal of 328-421 TWh by 2035.
- Biomethane: Targeting 47-82 TWh by 2035.
- Biofuels: Aiming for 70-90 TWh by 2035.
- Hydrogen: A goal to develop 8 GW of hydrogen capacity by 2035.
A Collaborative and Strategic Implementation of the France solar program
The development of the PPE3 program was a highly collaborative effort, emerging from extensive stakeholder consultations that involved 50,000 participants and considered over 7,500 proposals. This inclusive approach ensures broad support for the national energy strategy.
As detailed by Mercom India in their report, “France Launches PPE3 Program to Accelerate Energy Transition,” the program also prioritizes European industry criteria in its tenders. This is already being put into practice, as seen with recent awards for 507.7 MW of solar projects in a technology-neutral renewables tender. By fostering a strong domestic and European industrial base, France aims to secure its energy supply chain while driving economic growth.
With the PPE3 program, France has laid down a clear and decisive path toward a sustainable energy future, placing solar power at the heart of its ambitious decarbonization journey.
