Renewables
France updates rules for solar and grid flexibility
The French government has introduced new measures to ease grid connections for solar-plus-storage schemes and improve electricity demand flexibility.
Key points
- Solar-plus-storage projects up to 25 MW will benefit from an exemption from the 17 MW connection limit, provided maximum injection stays below 17 MW.
- Heat pump subsidies will require smart-control capabilities starting in 2027.
- Several energy companies have committed to deploying gigawatts of flexibility capacity by 2030.
What happened
According to pv magazine, the French administration has unveiled further initiatives to boost demand flexibility and accelerate electrification. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon announced plans to utilize smart meters, such as Linky devices, to better manage residential energy consumption.
By the end of 2026, authorities intend to relax grid connection rules for hybrid renewable facilities. Solar and storage projects with capacities reaching 25 MW can bypass the traditional 17 MW connection ceiling, provided their actual power injection into the network does not exceed 17 MW.
Why it matters
The framework aims to tap into residential potential by encouraging smart management of electric vehicle charging and heating systems. Regulators and state-backed utilities are testing new supply products to align consumption with daytime solar generation peaks.
Additionally, multiple industry associations and firms have pledged substantial investments. Gimelec, EDF, Neoen, NW Group, and Octopus Energy France have outlined commitments to scale up demand flexibility infrastructure significantly by the end of the decade.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
22.8% of electricity in France was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
