The Energy Code, inter alia Articles L342-3 to L342-5 establish the legal framework for connecting renewable energy installations to the electricity grid. These provisions aim to facilitate grid access for renewable energy producers.
Electricity producers have a contractual right to connect renewable energy facilities to the grid. The Energy Code mandates that grid operators connect electricity production facilities to the network without discrimination, ensuring that RE producers have the right to grid access. However, plants that generate renewable energy are not prioritised.
Plant operators have a contractual right to use the grid. The grid operator is required to reach agreements on connection and consumption without favouring certain plant operators. Plants that generate electricity from renewable energy sources are not prioritised.
Facility operators may have contractual rights to grid expansion if the connection of a plant to the grid necessitates grid expansion. In order to meet the Public Service Obligation (PSO - "Service Public de l'Électricité"), the grid operator is often required to expand the grid.