Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled the third multi-year energy program (PPE3) on Thursday, February 12, published by decree the next day. This strategic document, delayed over two years due to political tensions, relies on a majority nuclear electricity production while acknowledging the importance of renewables. Targets for onshore wind and photovoltaic have been reduced under pressure from the right and far right.
The publication of the third multi-year energy program (PPE3) comes after over two years of delays caused by political instability and pressures from the Rassemblement national (RN). Initially due before July 1, 2023, it was unveiled on February 12, 2026, during a meeting at the Saut-Mortier hydroelectric dam in the Jura, with EDF CEO Bernard Fontana and representatives from various sectors present.
Sébastien Lecornu described the initiative as the 'plan Messmer 2,' referencing the 1974 nuclear program launched by Pierre Messmer in response to the first oil shock. The document upholds the main balances from Emmanuel Macron's Belfort speech in February 2022: a majority nuclear electricity production, with the construction of six new EPR reactors, and potentially eight more. Renewables remain essential, as the first new reactor is not expected until 2038, but targets for onshore wind and photovoltaic have been scaled back.
This PPE3 aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. It targets 60% low-carbon energy consumption by 2030, requiring accelerated electrification of uses. France imports 99% of its hydrocarbons, which account for 60% of its energy consumption, at a cost of 58 billion euros in 2024. Heat pump sales fell in 2025 due to budget cuts, while electric vehicle sales surpassed thermal ones in Europe in December 2025.
Despite controversies, this text provides visibility to the energy sector, though it remains subject to political uncertainties.
