100% green energy 'possible by 2050'

FRANCE is on the right path to generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2050, according to a new report by energy body Ademe.

The study from the government body says an all-green electricity supply would not be much more expensive than a nuclear-renewable hybrid, around €119 per megawatt hour.

According to Ademe, wind power represents the biggest opportunity in France, potentially making up 63% of total energy use by 2050, followed by 17% solar panel, 13% hydroelectric and 7% geothermal.

The French government has set a 40% renewable energy target by 2030 in its latest energy transition law.

Ademe president Bruno Lechevin said the 100% scenario by 2050 mentioned in the report is achievable if technological progress brings production costs down, and assuming electricity consumption in France falls slightly through better efficiency.

The energy body warns, however, that to be achievable, supply and demand would have to be very closely monitored to ensure that the cheapest and most efficient source of energy is available at all times.