Germany's nuclear exit fuels record electricity imports from France in 2025
Germany's electricity trade has shifted dramatically since its nuclear phase-out in 2023. The country now relies heavily on imports, with nuclear power from France playing a growing role. Recent figures show rising dependence on foreign energy, particularly from its neighbour's reactors.
Between 2023 and 2024, Germany's electricity imports jumped by 23.2 percent to 66.8 TWh. This surge came after the shutdown of its last nuclear plants, leaving the country as a net importer. Nuclear energy quickly became the largest source of these imports, supplying 14.3 TWh in total.
France emerged as the top supplier, sending around 9.5 TWh of nuclear-generated electricity to Germany. In late 2025 alone, French exports reached 3.9 TWh. Meanwhile, Germany's own power exports dropped by 10 percent in 2024, falling to 35.1 TWh. A rebound followed in 2025, with exports climbing roughly 22 percent to 43.1 TWh, though total imports dipped slightly to just under 65.0 TWh.
France is now expanding its nuclear capacity, planning six new reactors by 2038 with an option for eight more. This move contrasts with Germany's phase-out, which has sparked domestic debates. Some political groups, including the AfD and CDU/CSU, are pushing to reactivate nuclear plants. Internationally, Germany's decision has drawn criticism, such as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it a 'strategic error.' The country was also excluded from nuclear-focused summits, like the March 2026 event in Paris. Still, no direct strain on French-German relations has been reported.
Germany's energy landscape has changed since abandoning nuclear power, with imports filling the gap. French reactors now supply a significant share, while domestic debates and EU criticism continue. The long-term effects on prices, energy security, and political dynamics remain to be seen.
