French power exports surged to a record in the first half of 2026 as a rebound in nuclear output and rising renewable generation left the country with a big surplus of low-cost electricity to sell across Europe. Exports jumped 36% compared with the same period a year earlier, reflecting the strongest performance since the grid operator began tracking cross-border flows.

The surge underscores France's return as Europe's primary power supplier after two years of reduced nuclear availability due to corrosion repairs and maintenance outages. EDF's fleet operated at the highest availability rate since 2019, while wind and solar additions continued to expand the low-carbon generation base.

Neighboring nations including Germany, Italy, and the UK absorbed the excess supply, helping to moderate wholesale prices across the region. The export boom also improved France's trade balance and reinforced its role as a stabilizing force in European energy markets.