France is embarking on a 100 billion euro initiative to modernize its electrical network by 2040, focusing on climate adaptation and capacity enhancement. Key investments include 24 billion euros for stabilizing existing structures and 30 billion euros for upgrading high-voltage lines. Connecting offshore wind farms represents the largest expenditure at 35 billion euros. This overhaul is projected to create up to 12,000 jobs annually, addressing rising electricity demand and supporting various sectors, including industry and residential energy needs.
Modernizing France’s Electrical Network: A 100 Billion Euro Initiative
The French electrical network is set for a significant overhaul, with modernization efforts anticipated to cost around 100 billion euros by the year 2040. This ambitious investment plan, spearheaded by the operator RTE, aims to address the urgent needs of the aging infrastructure. A recent report from TF1 highlighted the challenges faced near Avignon (Vaucluse), where a high-voltage line is at risk due to the increasing floods of the Durance River, attributed to climate change. The rising water levels have submerged pylons, leading to land erosion and the disappearance of roadways. Khalid Abdallaoui, project manager at RTE, notes, “When we initially constructed the overhead line, the road existed, but it has vanished over the past five years. Now, parts of the line are almost submerged.”
Investments for Climate Adaptation and Enhanced Capacity
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, a substantial investment of 24 billion euros will be allocated for adapting existing structures. Recent upgrades near Avignon have included deepening the foundations of pylons from eight meters to 25 meters to ensure stability. Additionally, RTE plans to elevate electrical substations and install them on stilts to avoid flooding risks, with projections indicating that a quarter of these substations may be at risk by the century’s end.
Furthermore, an investment of 30 billion euros is earmarked for upgrading high-voltage lines to enhance their capacity. For instance, in Dunkirk, electricity demand is projected to triple by 2040, prompting the need to increase pylon heights from 30 meters to 60 meters. Chloé Latour, RTE’s director of strategy and regulation, emphasizes the impact of new industries and the expansion of energy generation from nuclear plants and offshore wind turbines in the area.
Connecting offshore wind farms is a crucial part of this initiative, representing the largest expense at 35 billion euros. RTE has identified five key areas for network reinforcement, as up to 60% of electricity consumption is expected to concentrate in regions like Hauts-de-France, Normandy, Île-de-France, and PACA by 2040. This necessitates the transmission of electricity from coastal generation sites to major consumption centers.
The demand for electrical cables is surging, with factories like Prysmian in Gron (Yonne) ramping up production. Recently, the facility manufactured 100 kilometers of cables for the 62 offshore wind turbines in Noirmoutier, showcasing their capacity to produce cables that can handle one gigawatt of power—equivalent to a nuclear reactor’s output. Arnaud Jully, the factory director, highlights the unprecedented production rates and hiring sprees occurring within the industry.
With an expected creation of up to 12,000 jobs annually in France starting this year, the initiative aims to bolster electricity production and consumption for various needs, ranging from industrial applications to residential heating and electric vehicles.