France installations fall 13%

FRANCE: New installations of 492.35MW of wind capacity in the first half of 2017 represented a drop of 13% in the same period last year, according to the French wind association FEE.

by David Weston 26 July 2017

FEE blamed political uncertainty for the fall of installations in H1 2017 (pic: Marc Didier)
FEE blames political uncertainty over the economic framework for the fall.

"These uncertainties have prompted wind professionals to be cautious, waiting for a coherent and stable framework," said FEE president Olivier Perot.

The association is hoping new French energy minister Nicolas Hulot will help lift constraints on development to accelerate installation.

Today, the energy transition needs concrete means to change its rhythm because there will be no Climate Plan B," FEE said.

Among the issues still facing the market include delays in connection, coordination of spatial constraints and the slow appeals process, FEE said.

Hulot indicated France could close 17 nuclear reactors in order to meet its commitment to reduce its share of electricity generation to 50% in 2025.

FEE believes renewable generation could fill the gap left by nuclear, but only if the tools are provided to accelerate deployment.

Enercon was the leading turbine manufacturer in H1 2017, according to FEE figures, installing 31% of the 492.35MW total.

Enercon was followed by Vestas (20%), Nordex (14%) and Senvion (14%).