A long term strategy begins to take shape
France has published a national roadmap to phase out fossil fuels by 2050, offering a more grounded view of how climate ambition can translate into delivery. While the headline target is long-term, the document focuses on the steps required over the next decade, when the pace of change will need to accelerate most.
Fossil fuels still account for a significant share of France’s energy use today, with oil and gas dominating across transport, buildings and industry. Today, fossil fuels still account for close to 60% of final energy consumption, but the country is targeting a reduction to 40% by 2030 and 30% by 2035 on the way to full phase out by mid century.
Electrification moves from ambition to delivery
A central pillar of the strategy is electrification. As heating systems, vehicles and parts of industry move away from fossil fuels, electricity demand is expected to increase by around 30% by 2035.
This is less about adding capacity in isolation and more about reshaping the energy system. France is positioning electricity as the backbone of a low carbon economy, supported by a mix of nuclear and renewable energy. The challenge will be ensuring that infrastructure, storage and supply can scale at the same pace as demand.
Transport begins to shift away from oil
Transport remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with oil still accounting for the vast majority of energy use in the sector. The roadmap sets out a clear direction, with electric vehicles expected to represent around two thirds of new car sales by 2030.
At the same time, there is recognition that technology alone will not be enough. Increasing the use of public transport and reducing overall demand are both part of the strategy, pointing to a broader rethink of how mobility is structured rather than simply what powers it.
Buildings transition towards low carbon heating
Buildings are another key focus area, particularly due to their reliance on gas for heating. The residential and commercial sectors together represent a large share of national gas consumption, making them central to early progress.
The roadmap outlines a shift towards heat pumps and improved efficiency, with a target of reaching around one million heat pump installations per year by 2030. There are already signs of movement in this space, with fossil fuel use in buildings having fallen significantly in recent years as renovation programmes and policy measures begin to take effect.
This highlights the importance of retrofit alongside new development, especially in addressing older building stock where emissions reductions are often harder to achieve.
Turning direction into delivery
What stands out in France’s approach is the level of detail behind the ambition. The transition is framed as a coordinated process across sectors, rather than a series of isolated changes.
There are still uncertainties, particularly in areas such as heavy industry, but the overall direction is becoming clearer. The next phase will depend on consistent delivery, investment and the ability to bring businesses and communities along at the same pace.
For organisations, the implications are immediate. The shift towards electrification, efficiency and reduced fossil fuel reliance is already shaping policy and markets. The question is less about if this transition will happen, and more about how quickly different sectors are prepared to respond.
Read France’s full roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels here: 202604_France’s_roadmap_to_transitionning_away_from_Fossil_Fuel_EN.pdf