French authorities have green-lighted a draft proposal to triple current solar PV capacity by 2023 to 20.2 GW, according to a report by Reuters. Consultative industry body the Conseil Superieur de l’Energie (CSE) has approved ambitious new green energy targets that include bold goals for offshore wind energy. However, the CSE has confirmed that there will be no nuclear plant closures planned before 2019 as France looks to transition its energy mix slowly. The French government is preparing an official decree that will outline these revised renewable energy targets. This decree will be published over the next few weeks outlining further details of France’s energy transition law. In it, clarification on upcoming clean energy tender volumes will be set out, building on last year’s energy law plans, which specify a 40% renewable energy penetration volume by 2030. Over the same timeframe, nuclear’s share of the French energy mix should fall to 50% by 2025. Currently, nuclear power meets 75% of France’s energy demand.
Renew Economy 19th April 2016 read more »