Growth in France's wind power capacity expected to reach a 20-year low due to public backlash.
France is bracing for a significant decline in wind-power capacity next year, with plans to add about 500 megawatts of wind power – the least since 2005. This stagnation in renewable energy development is due to a combination of factors, including political instability and a lack of direction in energy policy at the national level.
The slowdown in solar installations is also evident, with some companies in the solar industry reportedly facing failure. Xavier Daval, the head of the solar committee of the renewables lobby, has predicted a slowdown in solar installations within the next two years.
The anti-immigration National Rally party has led a backlash against wind turbines in France, causing complications in obtaining construction permits for wind farms in regions with a significant National Rally voter base. Similarly, the outgoing government's decision to reduce incentives for photovoltaic installations has contributed to the slowdown in solar energy development.
William Arkwright, who heads the wind committee of Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables, stated that the pipeline of new wind projects is eroding and commissioning is collapsing. He made these remarks during a press conference in Paris, where Jules Nyssen, the president of Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables, also expressed concerns about the decrease in wind-power capacity.
The political vacuum, caused by a hung Parliament in France, is another contributing factor. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who has been in office since last week, has yet to form a new cabinet and outline his policies, including on energy. The enactment of the draft energy road map presented in March by the previous government, which aimed to boost solar and wind power and renewable fuels over the next 10 years, has not occurred.
Xavier Daval has also highlighted the political vacuum as a significant challenge for companies in the solar industry. He stated that this contributes to the struggles these companies are facing.
Despite these challenges, France's commitment to reducing carbon emissions remains unwavering. A draft energy road map presented in March outlined plans to boost solar and wind power and renewable fuels over the next 10 years. The successful implementation of this roadmap will be crucial in ensuring France meets its climate goals and secures a sustainable energy future.
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