ABSTRACT
Within the European frame, and due to limited primary energy resources, the French energy policy during the 1960-1995 period was based on a strong State involvement and on two priorities:
an ambitious nuclear energy programme: in 1997, out of 481 TWh of electricity generation, 376 TWh came from nuclear power and 67 TWh from hydropower, including 4 TWh from private independent small hydropower stations. In 1997, a net balance of 65.3 TWh was exported out of which 16.6 TWh to Germany [1].
a strong commitment to energy efficiency: as a result, the French energy intensity (defined as the ratio of primary energy consumption to gross national product) decreased by 22 % between 1973 and 1997 [2].
Taking into account domestic primary energy production, the French energy independence ratio increased from 22, 5 % in 1973 to 49, 6 % in 1997. Since the Rio and Kyoto conferences, global environmental problems have been taken into account within the French energy policy. As a result, the
French target now is to stabilise its greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 at its 1990 level. This target will imply new public and private efforts for energy efficiency and renewable energies.
