France publishes roadmap to phase out fossil fuels by 2050

France sets binding deadlines to eliminate coal, oil and gas

France has published a national strategy that sets specific dates to stop using fossil fuels across its entire economy. The plan commits to ending coal by 2030, oil between 2040 and 2045, and natural gas by 2050. This marks the first time a major industrial economy has published a detailed, sector-by-sector timeline for removing fossil fuels from energy, transport, heating and manufacturing.

The roadmap forms part of France’s updated National Low-Carbon Strategy, known as SNBC-3. It was released at an international conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, focused on moving away from fossil fuels. For UK businesses, the strategy offers a clear example of how legally binding phaseout dates translate into investment decisions, supply chain planning and infrastructure changes.

France’s approach demonstrates how national climate policy is shifting from general targets to specific deadlines tied to fuel types and sectors. Consequently, businesses trading with French companies or operating in Europe may face new expectations around energy sources and emissions reporting. The strategy also signals wider regulatory trends that could influence UK policy as the government updates its own carbon budgets and net zero plans.

Coal exits within six years, oil and gas follow by mid-century

The French government has set three clear deadlines. Coal use for energy will end by 2030, meaning no coal-fired power generation or industrial coal combustion after that date. Oil will be phased out for energy purposes between 2040 and 2045, affecting heating, transport and some industrial processes. Natural gas use will cease by 2050, aligned with the country’s target to reach net zero emissions that year.

These dates apply across the economy, not just power generation. For example, the oil phaseout covers diesel and petrol in transport, heating oil in buildings, and petroleum products used in manufacturing. Similarly, the gas deadline applies to domestic heating, industrial processes and any remaining gas-fired power stations.

France already generates most of its electricity from nuclear power and renewables, so the coal phaseout requires limited structural change. However, oil and gas elimination will demand significant investment in heat pumps, electric vehicles, industrial electrification and alternative fuels like hydrogen. The strategy projects that electricity will account for 55% of final energy consumption by 2050, up from 37% in 2023.

The plan also addresses fossil fuel production, committing to halt domestic extraction. This includes both conventional oil and gas fields and any future exploration. Furthermore, France has pledged to support energy transitions in lower-income countries, recognizing that a domestic phaseout must be part of broader international efforts.

Electricity demand doubles as transport and heating switch fuels

Increasing electricity’s share of energy consumption to 55% will require substantial grid expansion and generation capacity. The strategy relies on renewables, particularly wind and solar, alongside France’s existing nuclear fleet. This transition will affect UK businesses in several ways, especially those with French operations or supply chains.

Transport represents a major shift. The government expects 15% of cars to be electric by 2030, rising sharply thereafter. By 2050, the plan suggests air transport could be the only significant mode still emitting carbon dioxide directly. Road, rail and urban transport are expected to run on electricity or other zero-emission fuels. This timeline implies rapid charging infrastructure deployment and changes to vehicle manufacturing and maintenance.

Heating and buildings will also change fundamentally. Fossil fuel heating systems will be replaced with heat pumps, district heating networks and improved insulation. This affects property owners, construction companies and equipment suppliers. Meanwhile, businesses using gas for industrial processes will need to electrify, switch to hydrogen or adopt other low-carbon alternatives.

Industrial decarbonization features prominently in the roadmap. Manufacturing sectors that currently rely on oil and gas for heat or chemical processes must find substitutes. The strategy mentions electrification, hydrogen and carbon capture as options, though implementation varies by industry. Businesses in sectors like chemicals, steel, cement and food processing should monitor how these changes affect their French counterparts and suppliers.

Agriculture also receives attention, with goals to reduce emissions from livestock and fertilizer while encouraging dietary shifts toward more plant-based foods. This could influence food processors, retailers and exporters trading with France. Essentially, the roadmap treats every sector as part of the fossil fuel phaseout, not just obvious targets like power generation.

What this means for UK businesses and supply chains

UK companies with French customers, subsidiaries or suppliers should understand how these deadlines will reshape commercial relationships. French businesses facing binding phaseout dates will need to adjust their operations, which may affect orders, specifications and pricing. For instance, manufacturers may switch energy sources or demand different materials, while logistics companies will shift to electric or alternative-fuel vehicles.

Public procurement in France will likely reflect these priorities. Tenders may increasingly require suppliers to demonstrate fossil-free operations or clear transition plans. UK businesses bidding for French government contracts or supplying French public sector organizations should anticipate stricter energy and emissions criteria. This mirrors trends already visible in UK public procurement under PPN 06/21, which requires carbon reporting and reduction plans from suppliers.

Supply chain emissions reporting will become more detailed. As French companies track their own progress toward fossil fuel elimination, they will scrutinize Scope 3 emissions from suppliers. UK businesses should expect requests for data on energy sources, transport emissions and manufacturing processes. Those unable to provide clear answers or improvement plans may lose competitiveness in French markets.

Investment and finance are also affected. French banks and investors are aligning portfolios with national climate targets, which means less capital for fossil fuel-intensive projects and more for low-carbon alternatives. UK companies seeking investment from French sources or partnering with French firms may need to demonstrate alignment with phaseout timelines. Conversely, businesses offering clean energy solutions, electric vehicles, heat pumps or energy efficiency services may find new opportunities.

Trade in energy-intensive goods will shift. Products manufactured using oil or gas will face increasing scrutiny and may eventually be restricted or taxed. This aligns with broader EU policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will price carbon content in imports. UK exporters to France should monitor how the fossil fuel phaseout interacts with trade policy and border carbon measures.

Five key points for commercial planning

• France will end coal use by 2030, oil between 2040 and 2045, and natural gas by 2050, with binding deadlines covering all economic sectors including energy, transport, heating and manufacturing.
• Electricity consumption will rise to 55% of final energy use by 2050, driven by renewables and nuclear power, requiring significant grid expansion and changes to how businesses source and use power.
• Transport will shift to electric vehicles and zero-emission fuels, with 15% of cars electric by 2030 and most road and rail transport decarbonized by 2050, leaving aviation as the main remaining source of direct emissions.
• Industrial processes currently using oil and gas must adopt electrification, hydrogen or other alternatives, affecting manufacturing sectors from chemicals to food processing and creating demand for new technologies and equipment.
• Supply chain emissions scrutiny will increase as French companies track progress toward fossil fuel elimination, requiring UK suppliers to provide detailed energy and emissions data to maintain competitiveness.

How UK businesses should respond to phaseout trends

The French roadmap is not an isolated initiative. Similar policies are emerging across Europe, driven by EU climate legislation and national commitments. UK businesses should treat this as a signal of where regulation and market expectations are heading, even if timelines differ between countries. Preparing for a low-carbon economy now reduces risk and positions companies to meet changing customer and investor requirements.

Start by assessing your own energy sources and emissions. If your operations or supply chain rely heavily on oil or gas, consider how you would transition to alternatives. This includes heating systems, manufacturing processes, transport and purchased electricity. Understanding your current position is essential before you can plan improvements or respond to customer inquiries about emissions.

Engage with customers and suppliers about their transition plans. If you supply French businesses or plan to enter French markets, ask what their timelines are and what they will require from partners. Similarly, ask your own suppliers about their energy sources and emission reduction plans. Building these conversations into commercial relationships now prevents surprises later.

Review public sector tender requirements regularly. Both UK and European public procurement are tightening environmental criteria, including energy source disclosure and carbon reduction commitments. Carbon reporting and compliance support can help you meet these requirements and prepare for future changes. Businesses that address these issues early have a competitive advantage over those waiting for mandates.

Consider the opportunities as well as the risks. Demand for low-carbon products, energy efficiency services, renewable energy equipment and emissions measurement tools will grow. If your business can support others in reducing fossil fuel use, the French roadmap points to a large and committed market. Positioning your offering to align with phaseout timelines can open new revenue streams.

Training and skills matter. Understanding carbon accounting, energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies and regulatory requirements gives your team the knowledge to navigate these changes. Structured training on net zero and compliance builds internal capacity and ensures your business can respond confidently to evolving expectations. Ultimately, treating the energy transition as a business strategy issue rather than a compliance burden leads to better outcomes.

Where to find detailed guidance and policy documents

The French government has published the updated National Low-Carbon Strategy, known as SNBC-3, which sets out the fossil fuel phaseout timelines and sectoral plans in detail. The document is available through French government websites, though it is primarily in French. English summaries and analysis are available through climate policy organizations and international media.

UK businesses should also monitor updates from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which publishes UK carbon budgets, net zero strategy documents and industrial decarbonization plans. These provide the domestic policy context and help businesses understand how UK timelines compare to European neighbors.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change hosts international climate negotiations and publishes country commitments, including nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. This site offers a global perspective on how different countries are approaching fossil fuel phaseouts and emissions reductions.

For emissions reporting requirements and carbon accounting standards, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides internationally recognized guidance on measuring and reporting emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3. This is the standard most commonly referenced in tender requirements and investor questionnaires.

European regulatory developments, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and EU emissions trading system updates, are published through European Commission climate action pages. These policies increasingly shape trade conditions for UK businesses selling into European markets, making them essential reading for exporters and companies with European operations.