Renewable energy advocates uproar over possible moratorium on solar and wind power

The online media outlet reports that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is ready to publish the decree for the third multi-year energy program (PPE3), France's energy roadmap, with a "moratorium on solar and onshore wind power" planned to avoid censure by the National Rally.

Matignon "would have developed an RN-compatible scenario, involving re-evaluating public support for renewable energies and, while this is being done, imposing a moratorium on solar and onshore wind power," Contexte writes.

"In practice, this would mean that the government would decide to reinstate by decree the moratorium that the National Assembly rejected this summer," reacted Jules Nyssen, president of the Renewable Energies Union (SER), on LinkedIn.

In a statement, his organization said that "such a moratorium would also constitute an energy denial, because by abruptly stopping the energy transition, it is fossil fuels that will emerge as the big winners."

"Such a decision would immediately jeopardize more than 80,000 jobs," said France Renouvelables, which represents the sector, adding that it "would keep France in a situation of dependency for the next 20 years, despite all rationality."

"The energy transition must not be sacrificed in the name of political manipulation," said Nicolas Nace of Greenpeace France. "The PPE is not a bargaining chip to avoid a motion of censure," he added.

According to Contexte, which cites a source close to the matter, this plan is still a "working hypothesis." It would consist of publishing the PPE while tasking one or two economists with reexamining the terms of support for renewable energy.

Pending the conclusions of this mission, a moratorium on land-based renewable energies would be put in place and no calls for tenders would be launched.

"Whether this is being dealt with or whether it is part of the discussions with the National Rally and other political parties, it is highly likely," an energy sector expert told AFP.

"But if it were imminent, that would be surprising (...) I don't see what the urgency would be in doing it before the general policy speech," he added.

The PPE3 gave rise to heated debates in the political class throughout the spring between pro-nuclear and supporters of renewables.

The text is eagerly awaited by energy stakeholders to launch calls for tender, secure investments, anticipate training and employment needs and plan infrastructure.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.