French Cleantech Market
Insights
Stay updated on the opportunities provided by the French cleantech market in 2024. Below, you'll find a few key insights.
Global Cleantech Market in 2023
$156.49B
Value of the global cleantech market in 2023.
€4.4 billion
were invested into France’s ecological & energetic transition for a total of 181 projects.
€3.2 billion
attracted by the French cleantech sector in 2023 in 140 investment projects.
20.7% in 2022
Renewable energy sources currently account for approximately 20.7% of total energy consumption in France in 2022.
33% by 2030
France aims to achieve 33% of its energy mix from renewables by 2030.
Evolution of the French Cleantech Market (2018-2023)
Market Growth
Over the past few years, the French cleantech market has seen significant growth:
Cleantech venture capital investments evolution between 2018 and 2023:
€0.89B - €3.22B (+362%)
Renewable energy’s share in France’s total energy consumption has grown by 11.9% between 2012 and 2023.
Solar
With companies such as:
Wind
With companies such as:
France, a country acting to simplify cleantech regulations for its startups:
Policy and Regulatory Changes
Principal Cleantech Niches
Renewable Energy
France is investing heavily in renewable energy, focusing on several key areas:
The world’s first solar road, in the small village of Tourouvre-au-Perche in Normandy, France.
France’s first offshore wind power project (04/2022).
France’s largest hydroelectric site in Romanche-Gavet near Grenoble.
Solar Power
Significant growth in photovoltaic installations, both large-scale and rooftop projects.
Wind Energy
France has substantial onshore and offshore wind resources, with numerous large-scale projects in development.
Hydropower
​Leveraging existing infrastructure while exploring new opportunities in small-scale hydropower and biomass energy.
Energy Efficiency
Innovations in energy efficiency are transforming various sectors in France:
With actors such as:
With actors such as:
Innovation
Advances in insulation, HVAC systems, and energy-efficient building materials are making homes and buildings more sustainable.
Smart Grids
Development of smart grid technologies is optimising energy distribution and reducing losses.
Sustainable Mobility
France is advancing sustainable mobility solutions to reduce emissions and improve efficiency:
With actors such as:
With actors such as:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Increasing adoption rates and expanding charging infrastructure.
Public Transportation
Enhancements in public transit systems and the development of sustainable transportation technologies.
Aeronautics
France continues to lead in the aeronautics industry with its actors and their innovations:
With actors such as:
With actors such as:
Low-Carbon Aviation
France aims to create the world’s first low-carbon aeroplanes by 2030.
Green Hydrogene Leadership
To do so, its plans to become a leader in green hydrogen.
Circular Economy
France is embracing circular economy principles to reduce waste and promote sustainability:
With actors such as:
Waste Management
Innovations in recycling and waste-to-energy technologies.
Material Recovery
Advanced methods for recovering valuable materials from waste streams.
Most Polluting
Sectors
In France, in 2022.
France requires sustainable actions in key sectors. Here are the highest polluting industries in France:
TRANSPORTATION
29% of total CO2 emissions in 2022.
AGRICULTURE
21% of total CO2 emissions in 2022.
MANUFACTURING & CONSTRUCTION
19% of total CO2 emissions in 2022.
RESIDENTIAL
18% of total CO2 emissions in 2022.
ENERGY SUPPLY
10% of total CO2 emissions in 2022.
In 2022, according to the INSEE.
Sectors Lacking Innovation
In France, between 2014 & 2016.
Several sectors require more innovation and companies. Here are the less innovative sectors in France:
CONSTRUCTION
TRANSPORTATION & STORAGE
ACCOMMODATION & CATERING
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
WHOLESALE TRADE
Between 2014 and 2016, according to the INSEE.
Opportunities for Foreign Companies.
Market Entry Strategies
Exporting
Process of selling goods or services produced in one country to buyers in another country. Often considered as the first step for companies looking to expand their business beyond their domestic markets. Reach new customers, diversify your markets, and increase your revenue streams by selling your solutions abroad.
Licensing
Business arrangement in which one company gives another company permission to manufacture its product for a specified payment. This often involves a license agreement where the licensor (the owner of the product or technology) grants the licensee (the user) rights to use intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, or technologies.
Joint Venture
Business arrangement in which two or more parties agree to pool their resources for the purpose of accomplishing a specific task. This task can be a new project or any other business activity. Partner with a local company to enter a new market, share risks and rewards, and leverage local market knowledge.
Local Agent
A representative who acts on behalf of a company within a specific local market. The local agent usually helps with the distribution, marketing, and sales of the company's products or services, leveraging their knowledge of the local market and business practices. Engage a local agent and fully benefit from his or her expertise.