3. Transmission costs: a major component of the cost of electricity

In the first half of 2023, 32.5% of the 27-member European Union's electricity production came from fossil fuels (17.3% from gas, 12.9% from coal and 2.3% from oil); nuclear accounted for 23.3% and renewable energies 44.2% (including 18.1% from wind, 12.1% from hydro, 9.0% from solar and 5% from biomass). The mix was therefore 67.5% carbon-free. However, the situation varied greatly from one EU country to another. In 2023, France's electricity mix was significantly more decarbonized (93%), with nuclear power accounting for 65% (a far cry from the 75% achieved a few years earlier), and hydro, wind, solar and biomass together accounting for 29%. Fossil fuels accounted for 7% of production, natural gas for 6% and coal for 1%. The cost of supply still accounted for over 40% of the total price paid by domestic consumers. Spot prices on the electricity market averaged 276 euros/MWh in 2022, compared...