France will stick to its wind energy development targets
The French government is targeting a growth rate in onshore wind energy of 1.5 gigawatts per year, said Energy Minister Olga Givernet on Wednesday. This would be in line the renewable energy goals set by the previous government.
The far-right National Rally made wind power a major part of their campaign in the lead up to the parliamentary elections this summer. They also promised to "gradually demolish" existing wind farms. In the election, the RN was defeated by a leftist coalition, which won the first place, but failed to gain a majority.
On Wednesday, the new Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced that his government would pursue nuclear energy and renewable energy developments while better evaluating all of their impacts. This included wind power. He said that planning work will resume immediately.
Givernet stated that the government aims to have 45 GW offshore wind energy in service by 2050. He also said that a map of areas of priority for its development will be announced shortly, along with an invitation for tenders early 2025.
France generates nearly 70% of its energy from nuclear reactors and is behind other European countries when it comes to developing renewable sources due to the difficult permitting processes.
The plan for wind energy development sticks to the goals set by the previous government. Its multi-year plan on energy was hindered by a lack absolute majority at the National Assembly of France. It was originally planned for 2023.
The previous version of the plan set a goal of an annual onshore wind development rate of 1.5GW, with "more balanced distribution", and a capacity installed of 33-35 GW by 2030. This is an increase from 22 GW in 2023.
(source: Reuters)
