2013-02-28 15:04:41 - New Energy market report from Business Monitor International: "France Power Report Q1 2013"

BMI View: President Hollande has plans for France's energy sector: he has declared a goal of reducing France's dependence on nuclear sources of power (which currently account for around 75% of the electricity mix) to 50% of electricity generation. This bold target has opened up a nationwide debate as to whether or not France is capable of meeting this goal, not least given that hydraulic fracturing (fraccing) exploration for shale gas and oil was effectively ruled out by a moratorium. Will France fill up the nuclear gap with electricity generated by renewable sources of power? As much as France's Green Party would like this to be true, progress is limited in the renewable sector - as illustrated by the fact

that there have been few developments in France's offshore wind energy projects and delays to renewals of hydroelectric concessions - and with coal and gas playing only a minor role in electricity generation, a reduction of nuclear power in such a short time scale out appears overly ambitious. With a six month period of debate ahead, this will be crucial to determine exactly how far France can transform its energy market, without risking the security of supply.


Full Report Details at
- www.fastmr.com/prod/536445_france_power_report_q1_2013.aspx


BMI estimates that French power generation in 2012 was stable compared to 2011, and stayed at 532.38 terrawatt hours (TWh). Overall thermal generation looks to have fallen by around 1.80%. Hydroelectric generation is also estimated to have declined by 0.11%. BMI estimates that the use of non-hydro renewables grew by 8.5% in 2012.

Key trends and developments in the French electricity market:

* Following President Francois Hollande's pledge to reduce nuclear power generation to 50% of the electricity mix, down from 75% currently, the government launched a six month national debate in November 2012, in an attempt to create a new energy framework for the country as part of its 'energy transition'.
* Grid operator RTE announced in November 2012 that it will have to invest EUR15bn in the national transmission network by 2020 in order to meet the challenges associated with a phase-out of some nuclear sources of power, as proposed by Francois Hollande's government.
* Uncertainty hangs over the hydroelectric power sector. Concessions for 10 of France's hydroelectric power plants are due to expire at the end of 2012, but none of them have yet been offered for tender.

Report Table of Contents:

BMI Industry View
SWOT
- Power
Industry Forecast
- France Country Snapshot
- Table: Country Snapshot: Economic and Demographic Data
- Table: Country Snapshot: Power Sector
- France Industry Forecast
- Electricity Generation and Power Generating Capacity
- Table: France Total Electricity Generation Data And Forecasts 2012-2017
- Table: France Total Electricity Generation Long-Term Forecasts, 2016-2021
- Table: France Electricity Generating Capacity Data And Forecasts, 2012-2017
- Table: France Electricity Generating Capacity Long-Term Forecasts, 2016-2021
- Electricity Consumption
- Table: France Total Electricity Consumption Data And Forecasts 2012-2017
- Table: France Total Electricity Consumption Long-Term Forecasts 2016-2021
- Transmission & Distribution, Imports & Exports
- Table: France Electric Power Transmission And Distribution Losses Data And Forecasts, 2012-2017
- Table: France Electric Power Transmission And Distribution Losses Long-Term Forecasts, 2016-2021
- Table: France Trade Data And Forecasts, 2012-2017
- Table: France Trade Long-Term Forecasts, 2016-2021
Industry Risk Reward Ratings
- Developed States Power Risk/Reward Ratings
- Table: Developed States Power Risk/Reward Ratings
- France Power Risk/Reward Ratings
- Rewards
- Risks
Market Overview
- Key Policies And Market Structure
- Regulation and Competition
- Sustainable Energy Policies
- Pricing
- Table: Electricity Prices In the EU Member States, As Of May 2012
- France Power Projects Database
- Table: France Power Projects Database
Competitive Landscape
- Electricite de France (EdF)
- Electrabel-Suez
- Endesa France/SNET
- Areva
Company Profile
- Electricite de France (EdF)
Regional Overview
- Developed States Industry Overview
- Table: Real GDP Growth (%)
Glossary
- Glossary of Terms
- Table: Glossary of Terms
Methodology
- Industry Forecasts
- Power Industry - Data Methodology
- Generation and Consumption Data
- Electricity Generating Capacity Data
- Power Risk/Reward Ratings Methodology
- Table: Power Risk/Reward Indicators
- Sources

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