Germany and France are taking different approaches to the transformation of their energy systems, but share the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Whilst Germany has consistently relied on wind and solar energy following its nuclear phase-out, France continues to rely heavily on nuclear energy and is driving forward its comprehensive electrification. These differing strategies are shaping the European electricity market and have implications not only for the environment but also for the economy and security policy.
Since the final phase-out of nuclear power in 2023, German energy policy has been based on the expansion of renewable energy. In the first quarter of 2026, Germany recorded a net electricity export surplus for the first time in three years: exports of 17.9 TWh were offset by imports of 15.3 TWh. The key factor was falling wholesale prices, which made German electricity more competitive on the European markets.
57.1 per cent of exports came from renewable energy sources, particularly onshore wind power. At the same time, however, the system remains heavily dependent on weather conditions. When wind and solar power generation is low, coal- and gas-fired power stations must continue to step in to ensure security of supply. This regularly leads to higher electricity prices during such periods.
France meets around 70 per cent of its electricity demand through nuclear power. Whilst the existing nuclear power stations are set to remain in operation for several more decades, the first new EPR2 reactors are due to be connected to the grid from 2038. Renewable energies serve as a bridging technology to cover the period until the new reactors come online.
At the same time, France is pushing ahead with numerous projects: a solar installation requirement for car parks with 80 or more spaces, the expansion of offshore wind power to 45 GW by 2050, and innovative hydrogen projects such as Lhyfe’s floating platform off Le Croisic. In Alsace, geothermal energy is also being combined with lithium extraction for European battery production.
The differing generation structures are reflected in electricity prices. In the spring of 2026, a megawatt-hour of electricity in Germany cost around €86 at times, whereas in France it cost only around €22
Despite rising German electricity exports, France remains an important supplier to Germany. In 2025, France was the largest exporter of electricity to Germany, supplying around 9,500 GWh. Although the share of renewable energy in German electricity imports rose to 50.2 per cent, nuclear energy remained the most significant single energy source among the imported volumes.
To stabilise its energy system, France relies on so-called Contracts for Difference. These guarantee fixed prices to generators, whilst the state skims off additional revenue when exchange prices are high and uses it for investments in infrastructure and grid expansion.
Germany is committed to a flexible energy system comprising renewable energies, storage and market mechanisms. France, by contrast, is pursuing a long-term strategy with nuclear energy as a stable foundation for decarbonisation. The aim is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels whilst ensuring national security of supply.
The comparison highlights two different paths to climate neutrality: Germany is focusing on maximum flexibility through renewable energy, whilst France is relying on the stability of a nuclear base to safeguard its energy sovereignty.
