Electricity generation in France was lowest in 30 years last year due to nuclear outages

Electricity generation in France fell by 15 percent last year, reaching its lowest level in 30 years. The drop was caused by a record number of outages at nuclear power plants. As a result, France also became a net importer of electricity for the first time since 1980. This is according to a report published by grid operator RTE. The fall in electricity generation in France contributed to Europe’s energy crisis last year.

RTE is optimistic about the outlook, however, and believes the situation will improve next winter as nuclear power generation is expected to increase. France should also become a net exporter of electricity again in the coming months.

Nuclear power generation was at its lowest level last year since 1988. It fell by 30 percent compared with the average over the past 20 years, while its share of the country’s total electricity generation dropped to 63 percent from 69 percent in 2021.