France redirects 40 million euros from school heatwave adaptation to electrification

The French government has significantly reduced funding intended for the thermal renovation of schools to combat heatwaves. The budget for the Actee program, which was designed to help 12,500 schools adapt to rising temperatures, has been cut by 40 million euros. This reduction shifts the focus from physical renovations to merely providing free energy audits.

Originally, the plan aimed to support 12,500 establishments, including 2,500 priority sites and 10,000 at risk. Following the budget reallocation, the target has been reduced to 2,500 schools for audits. The 40 million euros diverted from the school renovation fund will be redirected toward a national electrification plan aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency.

The funding for these initiatives is largely supported by energy savings certificates (CEE). While the government has cut the specific climate adaptation envelope, EDF is reportedly maintaining its 80 million euro contribution to the broader effort.