France’s economic affairs committee has voted to remove proposed budget measures that would allow early termination of some solar contracts and reduce compensation for curtailment during negative electricity prices.
France’s National Assembly economic affairs committee has adopted an amendment to remove Article 82 from the 2027 budget bill, which proposes changes to existing solar power contracts. Led by Julie Laernoes, a member of the Ecologist and Social group, the amendment was co-signed by 35 lawmakers but must still be approved by the full parliament.
Article 82 would allow the early termination of solar contracts signed between 2006 and 2010 for installations larger than 250 kW, and extend restrictions on generation during periods of negative electricity prices to installations from 100 kW, with reduced compensation. The government aims to save around €120 million ($134.8 million) in 2027 through the measures.
According to the French Renewable Energy Association (SER), more than 8,000 S21 solar contracts would be affected. The contracts underpin investments by farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other businesses.
SER says the S21 scheme has supported around €10 billion in investment, generated local economic and tax revenues, created jobs, strengthened agricultural businesses and added several terawatt-hours of low-carbon electricity each year. The association signed a joint statement opposing the proposed changes with ELE Entreprises Locales d’Énergies, Enerplan, GMPV-FFB, FNCCR and FNSEA.
The committee’s decision is an initial step. The amendment must still be considered by the full National Assembly and the Senate, which can also amend the budget bill. Debate in the National Assembly is scheduled to begin on Oct. 27, with a vote on the full budget planned for Nov. 17.
The National Solar Energy Federation (FNES) says it is not seeking additional tariffs or subsidies, but wants stable rules for existing contracts. It argues that changing contractual terms after investments have been made risks undermining confidence among project stakeholders.
Laernoes has called on the government to take the committee’s vote into account as the budget process continues.
From pv magazine France
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