The surge in output from nuclear power plants and renewable energy sources has enabled France to export massive amounts of electricity to its neighbors.

This is excellent news for France's trade balance. According to data from grid operator RTE, France’s net electricity exports reached their highest level in 20 years between July and October. This performance was primarily driven by the growth in nuclear and renewable generation. In July, net exports reached 8.9 TWh (following 9.2 TWh in May), nearly matching the historical record set in May 2024. Net electricity trade has remained at high levels ever since.

"French nuclear production has grown by about 2% this year. Combined with strong renewable generation, this growth has put downward pressure on electricity prices and increased exports to neighboring countries," noted Michael Schrader, an expert at analysis firm Volue, in an interview with Bloomberg.

In recent months, exports have surged—particularly to Switzerland, which has faced its own production issues. For example, the Gösgen nuclear power plant was disconnected from the grid for water system repairs and is not expected to resume supply until February.

Another reason for the export growth is relatively weak domestic demand in France. According to RTE, domestic demand in the first half of this year was 6% to 7% lower than the levels seen in the 2010s (pre-pandemic). This is partly due to high electricity prices, which have forced households to reduce consumption to save money and have failed to sufficiently incentivize manufacturers to switch away from natural gas or fuel oil.

A New Record on the Horizon?

At this pace, export volumes in 2025 could match or even exceed the record set in 2024. Last year, net electricity trade reached 89 TWh, shattering the 2002 record of 76 TWh and generating €5 billion in revenue for France. According to customs data, the net volume had already reached 73 TWh by the end of October 2025, with net income for the third quarter reaching €1.2 billion.

This marks a stunning rebound from 2022, which was a disastrous year for the French power system. Due to stress corrosion cracking in multiple reactors, EDF's nuclear output plummeted to its lowest level in 30 years. For the first time in 42 years, France was a net importer of electricity for nearly the entirety of 2022.