France wants to reduce CO2 emissions by more than half by 2030 compared to 1990. There is now a climate protection plan for this: It includes much cheaper electric cars and massive heat pump production.
The French government has presented a comprehensive plan for more climate protection. It is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. In order to achieve this goal, the country must now move “twice as quickly” as in previous years, emphasized President Emmanuel Macron at a ministerial meeting.
End for two Coal-fired power plants until 2027
Macron presented plans for how to work towards the climate goals. He confirmed that France’s last two coal-fired power plants should cease operations by 2027. The plants were actually supposed to be closed last year, but the government delayed this because of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and the shutdown of French nuclear reactors.
One million heat pumps by 2027
Like Germany, France also wants to move away from gas boilers for heating and switch to heat pumps. Heat pump production is expected to triple over the next four years. By 2027, Macron said his country will produce one million devices and train 30,000 people to install them. France wants to develop an industrial sector for heat pumps and thereby become more independent of fossil fuels.
Electric cars should more affordable become
Macron also wants to make electric cars affordable for a large part of the population. Starting next year, people with lower incomes will be able to lease electric car models starting at 100 euros per month. The offer should be limited to vehicles produced in Europe. The exact modalities are still being worked out. As Macron said, the number of electric cars produced in France should increase to one million vehicles annually by 2027.
Ultimately, Paris wants to encourage people to switch from cars to public transport. Macron announced that S-Bahn networks should be set up in 13 metropolitan areas in the country. Such a regional rapid transit network recently started in Strasbourg.
In general, the state climate plan is intended to make France more independent of fossil fuels and more competitive, emphasized Macron. The planning is part of a policy of reindustrialization in France through the electrification of transport and industry. In addition, the dependence on imports should be reduced.