France electricity supply remained stable during summer heatwaves

The French electricity system remained stable throughout the summer despite heatwaves and increased demand for air conditioning, according to the grid operator RTE. While gross electricity consumption rose by 4% to 5% in June and July compared to the previous year, the country maintained its status as a major exporter, remaining a net exporter 99.9% of the time.

Production levels were impacted by weather conditions. Nuclear production remained comparable to previous periods, as high availability at EDF plants compensated for reductions caused by heat and drought. However, hydroelectric production reached its second-lowest level in 50 years due to drought, while solar energy production saw growth.

Thomas Veyrenc of RTE noted that, unlike in 2022, there was no physical risk to the country's electricity supply. Although market prices increased due to rising gas costs linked to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, they remained significantly lower than the levels seen in 2022.