The end of gas heating is getting closer. France announces a radical plan and billions in subsidies
2026-04-10 20:25
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2026-04-10 20:25
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on Friday steps to accelerate the use of electricity instead of imported energy sources: oil and gas. The Prime Minister spoke about it in a television speech on the energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.
– The war in the Middle East is not our war, but it affects us very directly. Fortunately, France has an advantage – the electricity it produces on its soil, Lecornu said, referring mainly to French nuclear power plants. As he described, 60 percent of the energy consumed in France comes from imported fossil fuels, while nuclear energy is three times cheaper.
Lecornu announced that the government will double the funds to support the use of electricity. From the current EUR 5.5 billion, this support will increase to EUR 10.5 billion per year.
It will no longer be possible to install gas heating in new residential buildings, including multi-family buildings. By 2050, gas heating will be eliminated in a large number of social housing units – 2 million units. The government also wants to install 1 million heat pumps – produced in France – per year by 2030. This will reduce heating costs by half.
The authorities will financially support the rental of electric cars – the number of available vehicles will increase by 50,000. starting from June this year. They are intended for people who often travel: carers or craftsmen who use cars for work.
“We are dependent on oil and gas and for this reason we will continue to pay the price for other people's wars,” Lecornu said, justifying the need for these changes. The actions he announced are to be the first stage of the country's electrification plan.
Since the start of the war with Iran by the US and Israel, the Lecorn government has not decided to reduce taxes to reduce the increase in fuel prices. He only announced support for specific industries most affected (road transport, fishing, agriculture).
From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)
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