Introduction

Energy generation in France has undergone drastic changes. The energy industry has witnessed rapid evolution in the energy sector as well as significant changes in the evolution of green house gases. France is described by the IMF as an advanced economy. Advanced economies are characterized by significant production levels which often result from the high state of industrialization. France is an industrialized country with the smallest percentage of carbon emissions [complimentary stats].

France: Energy Profile

The average of French energy generation since the year 2000 is 542 billion kilowatts of electricity. There are four electricity producers in France. One of them, EDF- Electricit de France controls 80% of the production. Three other companies [SNET, SNR-ELECTRABEL AND SHEMELECTRABEL] control 20% of the production. The main energy sources are Nuclear Energy Conventional thermal Energy [coal ,petroleum ,gas] Hydroelectricity Solar energy Wind Biomass

Illustration of Frances energy profile [1971-2006]

The same trend has been observed from 2006 till present date giving rise to the following statistics. Non Renewable Energy [74.44%] Nuclear Energy [53.7%] Geothermal Energy [20.74%] Renewable Energy [25.56 %]

Hydroelectricity [17.72] Wind energy, solar energy, Biomass. [8.14%]

Renewable energy profile Renewable energy sources account for over a quarter of energy generation in France, the main source being hydroelectricity. Between 2004 and 2010, renewable energy production increased from 17%-25. Its production has rapidly increased due to the French governments resolution to reduce the emission of green house gases. France is the industrialized economy with the highest rate cut in the emission of GHGs. The diagram below illustrates the different energy sources in France and their comparative emission rates. Despite this high level of industrialization, France has managed to be responsible towards the environment. Over the past ten years, the percentage of GHG emissions has reduced significantly.

CO2 emissions for 1 MWh Electricity (g CO2/kWh elec)

Overcost CO2 (/MWh)

Coal ciculating bed Nuclear Hydro power Gas combustion turbine Fuel combustion turbine Combined gas complicated Windmill

750 0 0 570 830 355 0

21 0 0 16 23 10 0

To be completed.