Photo: Sinousxl from Pixabay
France has launched a 12 GW renewable energy auction package, favoring projects with a higher share of European-made technology, as part of efforts to promote Europe’s energy independence. The country also said it would introduce cybersecurity requirements in upcoming auctions.
France’s 12 GW renewables auction package comprises seven offshore wind projects totaling 10 GW, alongside 1.2 GW of solar plants and 0.8 GW of onshore wind.
The “resilience criterion” aims to prioritize a higher share of European-made components, reducing reliance on imports, particularly from China.
The bidding criteria restrict components imported from China
In solar projects, the requirement applies to photovoltaic cells and modules. In offshore wind projects, no more than four out of nine strategic components can come from China, while the share of Chinese permanent magnets in offshore wind turbines cannot exceed 50%.
Cybersecurity criteria will be included in future auctions
France also said that upcoming renewable energy auctions will include sustainability and cybersecurity criteria.
The authorities said this would apply to 288 MW of solar capacity in the 2026 auction, for projects ranging from 100 kW to 500 kW, as well as to 925 MW of photovoltaic systems exceeding 500 kW.
The auctions will include cybersecurity requirements, as well as provisions to support European manufacturing, according to reports.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the new criteria are part of a long-term strategy to secure domestic industrial supply chains. He also mentioned companies such as Holosolis for solar cells, Nexans for electricity cables, Carester for rare earth processing, and Siemens Gamesa and GE Vernova for wind turbines.
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