The line graph illustrates the electricity generation in France over a 32-year period, from 1980 to 2012.
Overall, electricity production in France primarily stemmed from nuclear power, experiencing a significant increase over the years, while renewable energy sources contributed the least to the total electricity output.
In 1980, thermal power plants generated approximately 120 terawatt hours of electricity, surpassing nuclear and hydroelectric power stations, each producing around 75 terawatt hours. Renewable energy sources had minimal contribution at the beginning. The subsequent year saw nuclear power surpassing thermal power in electricity generation.
Between 1980 and 2005, electricity generation from nuclear sources consistently rose, peaking at approximately 430 terawatt hours. In contrast, electricity production from thermal sources decreased sharply to 50 terawatt hours by 1985 and remained constant thereafter. Hydroelectric power maintained a relatively stable output of about 50 to 80 terawatt hours throughout the entire period. Renewable energy production showed a slight increase in the final seven years of the observation period.