Wind Overtakes Gas in France’s Power Mix Amid Slumping Demand
- Nation’s power consumption fell 5% last year amid the pandemic
- Nuclear output fell by 12% last year to the lowest since 1993
This article is for subscribers only.
Wind overtook gas in 2020 to become France’s third-biggest source of electricity, amid falling power demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic and record-high temperatures.
Wind generation in France climbed 17% in 2020, placing it behind nuclear and hydro in the country’s power mix. While electricity output from the renewable energy source was boosted by gusty weather, installation of new turbines -- and solar farms -- slowed for a third year, according to a report from the country’s grid operator published Tuesday.