Green Electricity: A Comprehensive Guide to Plans and Guarantees in 2025
Green electricity is now a major pillar of the energy transition in France. This formof renewable energy is distinguished by the fact that it is generated from natural sources such as the sun, wind, orwater. As the energy market evolves rapidly, understanding the specifics of green electricity plans is becoming essential for consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Guarantees of origin, local production, and a real impact on the energy mix: several factors must be taken into account to make an informed choice.
In this article, we take a closer look at what green electricity really is, how it is tracked, and what it means for companies committed to decarbonization. Our goal: to separate fact from fiction so we can move forward with confidence.
Contents
Understanding Green Electricity and the Issues Surrounding It
Green electricity is characterized by its low environmental impact. According to ADEME, generating one kilowatt-hourof wind power produces only 7 grams of CO2, compared with more than 1,000 grams for coal-fired power generation. This significant difference in CO2 emissions explains consumers’ growing interest in green energy plans.
Sources of Green Energy Production
The renewable energy sources that powergreen electricity generation in France are constantly diversifying. The main sources include:
- Hydropower, the leading source of renewable energy
- Wind energy, experiencing strong growth in the region
- Photovoltaic Solar Energy
- Biomass and Anaerobic Digestion
France’s energy mixis gradually incorporating these green energy sources, complementing its long-standing nuclear power generation. This diversification helps ensure greater stability in the power grid while reducingthe overallcarbon footprint.
The System of Guarantees of Origin: Traceability of Green Electricity
Guarantees of Origin are the European mechanism for tracing green electricity. This system certifies that a specific amount of electricity actually comes from renewable sources. Each megawatt-hour generated produces a Guarantee of Origin, allowing electricity providers to offer green plans to their customers.
ADEME created the VertVolt label to improve market transparency. This label distinguishes between two levels:
- VertVolt: Guarantees that electricity comes from renewable sources
- VertVolt+: also provides direct support to renewable energy producers
Electricity Plans on the French Market
There are now a variety of electricity plans available on the market, including many green energy plans. Consumers can choose between:
- The regulated electricity rate, set by the government
- Market offers, where the price per kWh varies by electricity provider
- Specific green plans, with varying levels of environmental commitment
The pricing structure for each plan depends on several factors, including the subscribed power capacity and the billing options selected. Consumers can compare plans by analyzing:
- The price per kWh during peak and off-peak hours
- The Monthly Subscription
- Additional Services
- The Level of Environmental Commitment
Choosing a Green Electricity Provider
To choose the rightgreen electricity plan, several factors must be taken into account:
- The Source of Production: Prioritizing French Green Tea to Support the Domestic Industry
- The supplier's transparency regarding its sources of supply
- The supplier's genuine commitment to the environment
- The value for money of the offer
Electricity providers offering green plans must demonstrate their commitment by purchasing guarantees of origin. The VertVolt label is a reliable indicator of the quality of the plan.
To sign up online for agreen electricity, consumers now have access to simplified processes. Signing up can generally be done entirely online, with personalized assistance to help them switch providers.
Companies can also take advantage of these offers to reduce their company’s carbon footprint. In addition, they can implement other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as conducting a carbon assessment that includes Scopes 1, 2, and 3 and potentially Scope 4 for avoided emissions. The LCA calculation and the use of accurate CO2 emission factors can refine this approach. Finally, carbon offsetting can complement these efforts, and grants for conducting a carbon assessment are sometimes available to support these initiatives.