-
Summary
In France, one of the most complex parts of the permit and authorization process is the identification of suitable locations for renewable energy plants. Indeed, the majority of the work on authorizations and spatial planning takes place during the "administrative procedure" phase, which includes spatial planning, environmental impact assessments (EIA), and construction authorization. This phase can represent an obstacle for the French State as the procedure is lengthy and involves a large number of stakeholders. On the other hand, only PV systems (including ground-mounted and rooftop) and wind onshore projects with an installed capacity of more than 50 MW require an energy production license.
The grid connection procedure, which depends on installed capacity, is an additional requirement for RES projects in France.
The Energy Transition for Green Growth Act sets targets for the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption at 33% and no less than 40% of electricity production by 2030. The most important growth targets are planned for onshore wind (from 11.7 GW in 2016 to 33.2 - 34.7 GW in 2028), ground-mounted PV (from 3.8 GW in 2016 to 20.6 – 25 GW in 2028) and rooftop PV (from 3.2 GW in 2016 to 14.5 - 19 GW in 2028), which is why the description of permit and authorization processes will focus on these three RES-E technologies. -
Sequential order of process steps
1. Site selection
2. Electricity production license
3. Administrative authorisation
4. Grid connection permit -
Competent authorities
- Regional Departments for the Environment, Development and Housing (Directions Rgionales de l'Amenagement et du Logement - DREAL)
- Ministers of Energy
- Ministry of Defence
- Departmental Territorial Directorate (Direction Departementale des Territoires - DDT)
- French Architectural Review Board (Architecte des Batiments de France - ABF)
- Gestionnaire du Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE)
