Download: Nuclear electricity balance sheet: primary and final energy consumption

Nuclear electricity primary and final energy consumption

In France, nuclear electricity corresponds to around 40% of primary energy consumption, while electricity as a whole represents 23% of final energy consumption. The explanation of this apparent paradox is based on two methodological elements:

  • by definition, in order to avoid “double counting”, primary energy consumption does not include electricity obtained by transforming another counted energy, such as gas or oil. It therefore only includes electricity of nuclear, hydraulic, wind, photovoltaic and geothermal origin; on the other hand, the final energy consumption takes into account all the electricity consumed, including that of conventional thermal origin
  • by convention harmonized at international level, the coefficients used to switch from electric MWh to TEP may differ depending on two elements: the electricity production sector and the nature of the kWh considered, depending on whether it is produced or consumed.

The coexistence of different concepts and definitions is justified by the different uses that can be made of them. The results of calculations which may be carried out on the basis of different definitions or equivalence coefficients are therefore not immediately comparable.

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