A European energy powerhouse in transition. France partnering with Denmark for the future

France is a key export market for Danish energy technologies, with wind energy technology exports experiencing significant growth. In recent years, exports have increased reaching a total annual value of 5,7 bill. DKK in 2023 making France the 4th largest export market for Danish energy technologies. This demonstrates that the long-standing trade relations between Denmark and France are becoming increasingly important in the wake of climate change, where the two nations have established a partnership to accelerate offshore wind energy and other green energy sources.

The Energy Governance Partnership, established in 2018 and at present extended until 2029 works to boost collaboration between France and Denmark through the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best-practice in offshore wind. With Denmark’s extensive experience and leadership in offshore wind technology, Danish expertise can contribute to the development of projects in France. This collaboration is essential in addressing the increasing demand for electricity from renewable sources and in jointly meeting the European targets for renewable energy.

French Energy and Climate Policies

France is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has set ambitious goals for its energy transition. To combat climate change, France has set goals to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 (from 1990 levels) and reach the EU goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The efforts are guided by the Climate and Energy Act adopted in 2019 and the National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC-3). This includes investments to drive down emissions in the transport sector, improving energy performance of new and existing buildings and significant expansions of renewable energy and district heating.

Part of realizing the reduction goals, while simultaneously meeting future energy demand, is the expansion of offshore wind. Currently, 1.5 GW of offshore wind is operational, but by 2050, offshore wind farms are expected to account for 20% of domestic electricity production, making them the second-largest source of fossil-free electricity after nuclear power. France aims to install 18 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050. In a public tender held in December 2024, two 250 MW floating wind sites were awarded, with an additional 9.2 GW planned to be allocated throughout 2025. Furthermore, France's onshore wind capacity stood at 23.1 GW by the end of 2024, with a target of 40–45 GW by 2035.

Beyond wind energy, France is also pursuing emissions reductions through advancements in other renewable energy technologies. The country aims to nearly triple its installed solar capacity by 2030, increasing it from 24.5 GW at the end of 2023 to 60 GW. These efforts reflect France’s broader commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable energy system. 

France is undertaking significant measures to transition its residential heating sector towards carbon-free alternatives. This includes increasing the share of homes heated by district heating and heat pumps. The national target for renewable energy in residential heating is set at 45% by 2030 and 55% by 2035. To achieve these goals, the government plans to expand district heating networks and replace 300,000 oil-fired boilers and 350,000 gas boilers annually with heat pumps. This amounts to 2,2% of French households transitioning away from fossil fuels each year. Additionally, France is investing in energy-efficient building renovations in alignment with the EU Energy Efficiency Directive.

In parallel, France recognizes the importance of investing in carbon-free hydrogen and sector coupling to decarbonize industries such as transportation. As part of the ‘Plan France 2030,’ the country aims to establish two large-scale electrolyzer factories by 2030, thereby reducing industry emissions by 35%, though increased hydrogen use. Furthermore, bioenergy and biomass are expected to play crucial roles in the future French energy supply. This includes increasing the share of biofuels and biogas, with a specific target of injecting 15% biogas into distribution networks.

The French energy consumption is undergoing a large transition towards more green energies. As of 2023, 52% of the French primary energy consumption was fossil free, with wind energy making up 6%.

In the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) from 2024 France aims for a share of renewables in primary energy consumption of 36% in 2030 to meet the EU target. In 2023 the share was 17% while the average for EU and Denmark was 22% and 43%, respectively.

France, as the largest exporter of electricity within the European Union in 2023, is well-positioned to support the ongoing energy transition. The demand for electricity is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by the electrification of sectors such as industry, transport, and residential heating. Additionally, the adoption of Power-to-X technologies is anticipated to further increase electricity consumption, as these technologies play a crucial role in decarbonizing sectors that are traditionally difficult to electrify. To be effective, these innovations require large-scale and consistent energy production, ensuring the transition away from fossil fuels.

Onshore and offshore wind, solar, and other renewable energy installations will be needed in providing the necessary capacity to sustain this technology. France remains the largest producer of electricity in the European Union, generating a total of 525 TWh in 2023, which accounted for one-fifth of the EU’s total electricity production. In the same year, 65% of French power generation came from nuclear energy, contributing to a stable and reliable supply of electricity to households and businesses across Europe.                                                                                                                                   

Danish exports of energy technologies to France

France is a significant export market for Danish energy technologies, and the value of these exports has seen substantial growth in recent years. In 2023, the total value of exports amounted to 5,7 billion DKK making France the 4th largest export market for Danish energy technologies. This surge in exports is primarily driven by the rise in wind technology exports from 1,3 billion to 3,2 billion DKK between 2021 and 2023. This growth underscores the ambitious goals for wind energy set by France.

Technologies related to wind energy were the largest share of exports consisting of 55%. Bioenergy technologies constituted 12% of exports, reflecting the growing recognition of bioenergy as a vital component in achieving a sustainable energy mix. District heating technologies accounted for 5% of exports, emphasizing the increasing importance of efficient and sustainable heating solutions. Other energy technologies accounted for 28% of total exports. As of 2023 the green share of energy technology exports to France was 78%, reinforcing France’s commitment to reaching climate targets and the export opportunities for the Danish energy industry that it holds.

These strong and increasing exports reflect the good business environment for renewable energy technologies. This underscores the relevance of the Energy Governance Partnership and that France and Denmark continue the close cooperation in the energy sector – also among the energy authorities.

DI assists member companies

DI Energy undertakes a range of export promotion activities aiming at France’s investment in energy and green transition in general. The activities include trade delegations travelling both ways, highlighting business opportunities and bringing companies and decision makers from both sides together. Current activities include focus on wind energy, Power-to-X, bio-gas, district energy and energy efficiency.