France's Minister of Sustainable Development has announced a package of "emergency" measures for the nation's solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, including doubling France's feed-in tariff goal for PV plants smaller than 100 kW to 400 MW annually.

Feed-in tariff rates will be increased 5% for simple rooftop PV installations, and a bonus of up to 10% will be included for EU-made modules. These measures and changes to the tender system are intended to achieve a PV market of at least 1 GW annually, double the prior target.

"The double objective is to orient policy to support the establishment of a sustainable industry as a vehicle for the creation of value in the nation, reducing the estimated EUR 1.35 billion trade deficit of the solar sector in 2011, and join in a movement of "ecological patriotism" for the development of renewable energy as a factor of competitiveness and job creation," declared the Ministry in a press statement.

Minister Batho admits possible WTO challenge

As quoted by Reuters, Minister Batho admits that there is a legal risk for the 10% bonus for European PV modules, but notes that it will take years to challenge the policy through the WTO. The government will also reduce its T5 rate for other facilities by 20%.

Multiple tender systems for PV plants larger than 100 kW

France's system includes multiple tender systems for PV plants larger than 100 kW. Minister Delphine Batho states that the simplified tender system for rooftop PV plants between 100 kW and 250 kW will be improved, citing "unsatisfactory" prior results.

This tranche will have a goal of 120 MW annually. Multiple tenders will be held in 2013 for PV plants larger than 250 kW, with a focus on innovative technologies and the use of brownfields for ground-mounted solar, with a goal of at least 400 MW annually.

Measures to cost USD 120 to 220 million

The Ministry states that the combined measures are expected to generate EUR 2 billion (USD 2.6 billion) in investment, and to create or maintain 10,000 jobs, at a cost between EUR 90 and 170 million (USD 120 and 220 million), or EUR 1 to 2 per household annually.

2013-01-08 | Courtesy: French Ministry of Ecology, Energy and Sustainable Development; Image: Heliotrop | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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