"The health crisis does not in itself explain these slowdowns", underlines the 2020 barometer produced by the independent specialist observatory Observ'ER with the Federation of concessionary authorities and regulated authorities (FNCCR) and the Environment and energy control (Ademe).
Last year (October 2019-September 2020), renewable production covered more than 27% of electricity consumption, in line with national objectives (also thanks to lower demand linked to the industrial slowdown and to mild temperatures). It was even more than 35% in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, Grand Est and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
At the end of September, the renewable power connected was 56,5 gigawatts (GW), of which a small half came from hydropower (2,8 GW installed in one year, after 2,7 GW the previous year). Some 89% of this newly installed power comes from onshore wind and photovoltaic power.
Compared to France's energy roadmap for 2028, the barometer however notes "a risk of stalling for the wind industry" (with a projection of 31 GW, at the current rate, instead of 33-34 planned).
And it is "an already real stall for the photovoltaic sector" (18 GW anticipated instead of a range of 35-44 GW): the sector would have to multiply by more than three its dynamics and connect 3 GW per year, "a challenge in view of past performances".
"The pace is not sufficient to reach the objectives, and it is a delay that is difficult to catch up", underlines Frédéric Tuillé, head of studies at Observ'ER.
The projects carried out by local actors (professionals, communities, energy unions, etc.) are developing, and the regions practically all have guidelines through their regional development plan. "But the question arises of the means at their disposal to achieve it", adds the report.
The authors stress the issue of local acceptance of projects. To this end, Ademe has announced the deployment of territorial advisers.
Vincent Jacques Le Seigneur, president of Observ'ER, particularly deplored that "the public authorities constantly blow hot and cold, at the level of the State as of communities", on wind power, expressing his fears of seeing disputes extend to photovoltaic "if there is no more