Does France support its wind energy industry?
The professional association France Énergie Éolienne (France Wind Energy), which comprises 90% of the wind energy sector stakeholders in France, has released a virulent press statement attacking the actions taken after the second reading of the bill “Freedom of creation, architecture and heritage ” presented to the cultural affairs and education commission this Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
The bill, called the “CAP”, would make it mandatory, through Article 33 bis A, to have the assent of the Architect of buildings in France (ABF) for “any wind project in the field of vision and for a radius of 10 kilometres from a historic monument. ”
According to the association, “only 1% of the land would have remained free of this veto, which is negative in 90% of cases.” If the stipulations have been eased somewhat, it is still not to the taste of industry professionals, who feel that this type of project would represent a huge setback not only for the French wind energy sector, but also for energy transition.
It should be noted that Ségolène Royal wants to see 40% of renewable energy in the French energy mix by 2030. However, according to AFFF, the need for consultation, in addition to being “redundant”, would result in greater delays in starting and carrying out wind energy projects.
The association also notes that delays are much higher in France (6 to 8 years between starting and realization) than for their neighbours across the Rhine in Germany (2-4 years).
Olivier Perot, President of France Wind Energy, has commented on the progress of the debate: “The renewable energy development policy objectives should help secure industrial sectors, such as wind. France Wind Energy reiterates its plea to create favourable conditions for the development of wind power in the territory, thereby achieving our renewable energy goals. This booming industry is able to respond to environmental and economic challenges associated with the implementation of the energy transition. However, industry professionals cannot meet overly strict regulations and uncertainties ”
