France

France has introduced three instruments supporting the RES technologies: feed-in tariff, tax incentives (in two categories) and tenders. [54]

The first one and major system, feed in tariff is available almost for all technologies but with additional requirements to met. Wind onshore and offshore parks are supported if they are located in wind development areas and met special capacity conditions which depends from areas. Solar, hydro, tidal, wave and all bio systems are supported only if their capacity does not exceed 12 MW. However, the storage hydro power plants are not supported. Biogass projects also must combust gas obtain from the pyrolysis or fermentation of substances and wastes (agricultural, forestry, related industries) or sewage. Biomass power plants must combust non-fossil matter of plant and animal origin. Moreover biomass power plants with capacity below 2 MW also are not supported. The amount of tariff depends from many factors (e.g.: technology, investment costs, operating costs) but French overseas departments and collectivises and the PV systems in Corsica have special tariffs. Wind farms can receive from 2,8 to 13 €ct/kWh for 15 years in case of onshore parks and 20 years for offshore parks. Solar systems integrated with building can by supported from 44 to 58 €ct/kWh (37 €ct/kWh in case “simple” building-integration). Other the PV systems in Corsica, DOMs and COMs may receive 35,2 €ct/kWh and power plants located in mainland 27,6 €ct/kWh. All mentioned technologies are supported for 20 years. Wave and tidal systems receives 15 €ct/kWh, marine and run-of-river systems 6,07 €ct/kWh. Small hydro power plants receives from 0,5 to 2,5 €ct/kWh plus quality premium up to 1,68 €ct/kWh. Hydro systems are eligible for 20 years. The tariff for biomass power plants equals 4,5 €ct/kWh plus premium of at least 7,4 €ct/kWh for energy efficiency. Biogas and biomass systems are supported for 15 years. [54]

The first tax incentives system is available for all wind, biomass, hydro and solar technologies. That last one have to also comply with standards EN 61215 or NF EN 61646. [54]

The second tax incentives is related with VAT. The VAT reduction is applied for services, equipment and delivery related with the RES. All wind, hydro and biomass systems are eligible for that support. Solar systems are also eligible however the additional requirements have to be met. Systems have to be comply with EN 61215 or NF EN 61646, shall cover a building electricity needs and the invoice shall show the different VATE rates. On the France mainland and in Corsica, VAT for the RES equals 5,5% and in the rest parts of France 2,1%. [54]

The last one instrument allows to award special feed-in tariff for the winner of tender. In general all of the RES technologies are eligible for that support however there are special requirements to met which are described in art. 1 Décret n°2000-1434. Information about amount of the tariff and eligible period are also contained in that document. [54]

In France the RES systems does not have priority however the grid operator is obligated to conclude contract about grid connection without discrimination and to upgrade and expanse electrical network if it is necessary. [54]

Regulation requirements in France are Loi n°2000-108, Loi n°2005-781, Loi n°2004-1484, Loi n°2008-1425, Loi n°99-1172, Décret n°2000-1196, Décret n°2001-410, Décret n°2002-1434, Décret n°2004-90, Décret n° 2010-1510, Arręté du 17 novembre 2008 vent, Arręté du 10 juillet 2006 biogaz, Arręté du 1er mars 2007 hydro, Arręté du 28 décembre 2009 biomasse, Arręté du 23 juillet 2010 géothermie, Arręté du 31 aoűt 2010 soleil, Arręté du 9 février 2005, Arręté du 13 novembre 2007, Instruction fiscale 3 C-2-01 N° 119, Instruction fiscale 3 C-7-06 N°202, Instruction fiscale 3 C-2-10 N° 31, Instruction fiscale 5 B-26-05 N° 147, Instruction fiscale 5 B-17-07 N° 88, Instruction fiscale 5 B-10-09 N° 38, CGI, art. 200 quater, CGI and art. 279-0 bis. [54]

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