PARIS — Gas consumption in France continued its downward trend in 2024, falling to a gross volume of 361 terawatt hours (TWh), a decrease of 20 TWh compared to 2023 and 113 TWh less than in 2021, according to NaTran, the leading operator of the national gas transmission network.
The company, previously known as GRTgaz and a subsidiary of the energy utility Engie, presented its annual review on Tuesday, highlighting the factors behind the decline and raising questions about the ongoing import of Russian gas.
The report attributes the reduction in gas usage primarily to the resurgence of nuclear and hydroelectric power, which have lessened the reliance on gas-fired power plants.
Electricity generated from gas dropped significantly to 16 TWh in 2024, marking a 56% decrease compared to the previous year. This shift aligns with France’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Additionally, NaTran reported a “trend erosion” in gas consumption across French households, small businesses, and the tertiary sector, with usage declining to 235 TWh in 2024, a slight drop of 0.6%.
Factors such as improved energy efficiency in heating, hot water systems, and cooking appliances have contributed to this reduction. The report also noted that the relatively mild winter reduced heating demands, further lowering consumption.
In contrast, the industrial sector, particularly large companies in the chemical, petrochemical, food processing, and metallurgy industries, recorded a minor increase in gas usage.
Consumption in this segment rose by 0.8% to over 109 TWh, driven by a downturn in energy prices that made gas a more attractive option for high-energy processes.
However, a critical issue remains unresolved: the extent of French reliance on Russian gas imports. Following the invasion of Ukraine by Moscow’s forces in February 2022, the European Commission pledged to end dependence on Russian energy supplies.
Despite these commitments, Russian gas continues to reach French ports, raising concerns about the effectiveness of EU sanctions and the speed of the energy transition.
NaTran’s report did not specify the current volume of Russian gas in the national mix, but industry analysts suggest that while direct imports from Russia have significantly decreased, a portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) arriving in France could still be of Russian origin.
The French government has so far refrained from providing detailed figures, citing the complexity of tracing LNG shipments through intermediary traders.
Environmental groups and opposition politicians have intensified calls for transparency on this issue. “It is imperative for the government to clarify how much Russian gas is still being consumed in France,” said Élisabeth Morin, a Green Party lawmaker.
“If we are serious about our energy sovereignty and solidarity with Ukraine, we must close these loopholes.”
Looking ahead, NaTran indicated that further declines in gas consumption could be expected as more nuclear reactors resume operation following maintenance and safety upgrades.
The government has also announced additional investments in renewable energy infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the transition away from gas.
The evolving energy landscape underscores the challenges France faces in balancing energy security, environmental commitments, and geopolitical considerations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the volatility of global energy markets.
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