France: Overall summary

Updated: 07.02.2019

Author: Helena Vidalic

In France, electricity from renewable sources is promoted through a feed-in tariff, a premium tariff as well as through tenders for the definition of the premium tariff level. Additionally, tax benefits are also available. The generation of heat through renewable energy plants is promoted through several energy subsidies, tax regulation mechanisms as well as through a zero percent-interest loan. The main support scheme for renewable energy sources used in transport is a quota system. Furthermore, biofuels are supported through fiscal regulation.

The use of the grid for the transmission of electricity from renewable sources is subject to the general legislation on energy. There are no special provisions for electricity from renewable sources. As far as heating and cooling is concerned, public distribution of heat in France is a competence of the local or regional authorities. The procedure of grid connection is at the same time also the procedure for grid development, since the construction of a plant must occur simultaneously with the construction (development) of the district heating grid.

There are various policies aiming at promoting the development, installation and use of RES installations in France, including training programmes, certification schemes or RD&D programmes. 

More about support schemes More about grid issues More about policies
France

Further information

  • Portail de l’Economie et des Finances - Economy and Finance Portal
  • +33 140 04 04 04
  • Portal website
  • Ministère de la Tansition écologique et solidaire - Ministry of the Ecological and Inclusive Transition
  • +33 14 081 212 2
  • website
  • Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l‘Energie (ADEME) – Energy Agency
  • +33 241 204 120
  • ADEME website
  • Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables (SER) – Association for Renewable Energy
  • +33 148 780 560
  • SER website
  • Commission de Régulation de l’Energie (CRE) – Energy regulatory authority
  • +33 144 504 100
  • CRE website
  • Gestionnaire du Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE) – transmission grid operator
  • +33 1 79 24 80 00
  • RTE website
  • Electricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF) – distribution grid operator
  • +33 1 56 65 11 11
  • ERDF website
  • Administration des Douanes et Droits Indirects – Customs Administration
  • +33 172 40 78 50
  • website
  • Agence Nationale pour l´Habitat (ANAH) - National Agency for Housing
  • ANAH website