In an uncertain global context, the French energy sector is facing major challenges such as energy sovereignty, purchasing power and the fight against climate change. The ENGIE Group wanted to contribute to the debate by reaching out to the French people and listening to their questions.
What’s their opinion? How do they experience living near renewable energy infrastructure in their day-to-day lives? What types of energy should France rely on to produce electricity?
On Wednesday, May 28th, ENGIE and ifop unveiled an exclusive study exploring what French people really want when it comes to energy. The findings tell a very different story from what’s often heard in public debates. Find out the main insights from the study.
A unique study
This study is based on an exceptional sample of 12,000 people, representative of the French population. Each metropolitan region is represented by 1,000 respondents, allowing for an exceptionally detailed regional analysis and a robust territorial breakdown, far beyond the norm for national surveys. For comparison, large-scale public studies typically rely on samples of 1,000 to 5,000 individuals.
This rigorous methodology enhances the scientific reliability of the findings, making them particularly relevant as food for thought.
Key takeaways
Energy is considered a top priority by nearly one in two French people (48%)
Seen as “important” by nearly 8 out of 10 respondents, energy issues stand out as a major concern, at the intersection of three major priorities for the French: purchasing power, energy sovereignty, and the fight against climate change.
French people have come to understand that energy is a key factor in economic stability, climate protection, and national independence.
84% of French people have a positive image of renewable energy
- Renewable energy sources are perceived the most positively, well ahead of nuclear and fossil fuels. Solar (89%), hydropower (89%), and geothermal (87%) receive the most favorable opinions, followed by green gas (81%) and both onshore (78%) and offshore wind (78%).
This broadly favorable view is shared across all generations, regions, and political affiliations.
Only 10% of French people have a negative perception of renewables. - 94% of residents living closest to renewable infrastructure express support.
Another strength of the study is that the sample includes 21% of residents living near renewable energy infrastructure, more than 2,500 people. Among them, 94% report having a positive view (10 points higher than the national average).
Proximity to renewable installations reinforces favorable perceptions.
This view is even more positive (95%) among residents who were involved in the decision to install the infrastructure, proving that early community involvement is a strong factor for acceptance.
Clearly identified benefits
According to those surveyed, renewable energy contributes to:
- Fighting climate change (79%)
- Restoring energy sovereignty (78%)
- Creating jobs and supporting local economies (77%)
More than 6 in 10 French people believe the development of renewables is insufficient
French people also support the development of renewable energy: 62% believe current deployment remains insufficient, and 68% would like to see it accelerate over the next five years.
But four key arguments still need to be convincing
French respondents are looking for evidence on four key points that could strengthen their support:
- Do renewable energy help lower my bills ?
- How does it contribute to boost my local area?
- Is it really a solution to fight climate change?
- How does it promote energy independence?
Catherine MacGregor, CEO of ENGIE
“French people have a highly favourable opinion of renewable energy, a finding that challenges the widely held assumption that people are generally opposed to it. As the leading wind and solar energy company in France, ENGIE is fully committed to meeting public expectations by delivering tangible benefits from the energy transition in people’s everyday lives”
