Why it doubled in 2025 & how it can be solved
France’s power system is entering a new phase of the energy transition. As solar capacity expands rapidly within a system already dominated by nuclear generation, the country is increasingly facing periods where electricity supply exceeds demand.
In 2025, renewable electricity curtailment nearly doubled while negative price hours rose sharply. These trends highlight a growing mismatch between when electricity is produced and when it is consumed.This article explores the drivers behind this imbalance, including electricity demand trends, the rapid growth of solar capacity, and the rise in negative electricity prices. It also looks at the potential role of electrification and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in improving system flexibility and absorbing excess renewable generation.
Key insights from the article:
- Why France’s rapid solar expansion is starting to outpace electricity demand growth
- What is driving the sharp rise in negative electricity price hours
- How increasing renewable generation is leading to more frequent curtailment events
- Why system flexibility and storage are becoming critical for the next phase of the energy transition
- What role Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) could play in balancing the French power system
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