France carbon intensity of electricity generation
France carbon intensity of electricity generation stood at 33.35 g CO2 per kWh on Oct 18, 2026, according to ODRé – Open Data Réseaux Énergies (RTE, NaTran, Teréga). It is one of the indicators in the Daily electricity table (Value · Daily), with a complete series running from Jan 1, 2012 to Oct 18, 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Daily electricity table
| Indicator | 18-10-2026 | 17-10-2026 | 16-10-2026 | 15-10-2026 | 14-10-2026 | 13-10-2026 | 12-10-2026 | 11-10-2026 | 10-10-2026 | 09-10-2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon intensity of electricity generation (daily average) | 33.35 | 14.75 | 34 | 33.45 | 31.33 | 20.76 | 28.74 | 22.21 | 15.47 | 13.89 | |
| Consumption | 991.36 | 977.95 | 1,059.13 | 1,077.79 | 1,080.97 | 1,079.34 | 1,071.32 | 943.74 | 962.86 | 1,073.44 | |
| Pumped storage (negative = consumption) | -18.46 | -31.84 | -8.69 | -8.74 | -11.32 | -12.65 | -8.38 | -25.92 | -30.38 | -39.69 |
Understanding france carbon intensity of electricity generation
Average carbon dioxide emissions generated per kilowatt hour of electrical output across the entire domestic generation mix are measured by France carbon intensity of electricity generation (daily average). This index computes the weighted carbon footprint resulting from the simultaneous operation of nuclear, fossil fuel, renewable, and bioenergy sources. It differs from absolute emission totals by expressing pollution relative to generated volume, providing a normalized efficiency ratio. The calculation includes direct combustion emissions from coal, gas, and oil plants while excluding upstream lifecycle emissions associated with fuel extraction, infrastructure construction, or plant decommissioning.
Evaluating this metric effectively requires examining the daily generation mix, as increased reliance on thermal fossil fuel plants drives intensity upward, while high nuclear or renewable output pushes the average toward minimal levels. Sequential day comparisons can reveal rapid operational adjustments in the power sector, but year on year reviews provide better insight into structural decarbonization progress. Early estimates rely on provisional generation dispatch models before final fuel consumption audits are completed. A frequent pitfall is using daily carbon intensity to measure total national greenhouse gas output, ignoring heavy industry and transport emissions that occur outside the power generation sector.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this carbon intensity measure include upstream emissions from mining coal or extracting gas?
- No, the calculation accounts exclusively for direct emissions released during the combustion process at power generation facilities.
- What causes the daily carbon intensity index to drop sharply?
- An increase in nuclear output or high renewable generation from wind and solar displaces fossil fuel plants, lowering the emission average.
- Can this metric be used to assess the carbon footprint of the entire economy?
- No, it is strictly limited to the electricity generation sector and excludes emissions from transport, manufacturing, and heating.