Overview

• RTE, France's public electricity grid operator, announced a $100 billion modernization plan extending through 2040 to renew and expand 40,000 km of high-voltage power lines.
• The initiative is designed to support the electrification of the economy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enable the integration of renewable and nuclear energy sources.
• The upgrades will increase the grid's resilience to extreme weather, including heatwaves and centennial floods, as France anticipates a 4°C temperature rise by 2100.
• Consumers are not expected to see immediate impacts on electricity prices, as the cost will be amortized over 40 years and minimally affect tariffs in the short term.
• The plan emphasizes economic competitiveness, circular economy practices, and infrastructure to support industrial growth, including ports and future energy-intensive projects like data centers.