French renewable energy growth could boost jobs in the sector by over 55% to 236,000 in 2028, compared with 152,000 in 2019, a new study forecasts.
The ‘Evaluation and analysis of the contribution of renewable energies to the economy of France and its territories’ report, was produced by French trade association SER and Ernst & Young, to help inform France’s Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE).
The study examines the value created by renewable energy in France, based upon four indicators modelled over the PPE period.
They are job creation, added value, tax benefits and impact on the country’s energy costs.
Two alternative scenarios were also studied in order to measure the impact of more ambitious renewable objectives versus a reinforced industrial policy.
The study concludes that added value created by the development of renewable energies benefits the national economy, with more than 80% of the industry’s economic value located in France.
It also found that territories are beneficiaries of the development of renewable energy. The tax revenue resulting from renewable energy accrued to local authorities and municipalities is estimated at €1bn in 2019, and €1.6bn in 2028.
Renewable energy was found to save France €4.6bn in fossil fuel imports in 2019.