On Thursday, the French National Assembly passed a moratorium on the construction of new solar and wind farms with the votes of the Republicans (Les Républicains, LR) and the right-wing populists of the Rassemblement National (RN). This moratorium is to remain in force »until an objective, independent study has determined the best energy mix for France.« The amendment to the Senate’s draft bill on energy and climate policy, known as »Gremillet«, was passed by a vote of 65 to 62 in a sparsely attended plenary session. It clearly contradicts another amendment passed on the same day that commits France to increasing its share of renewable electricity generation by 30 per cent by 2030. This would require a significant increase in solar and wind power plants.
The France Renouvelables association responded with strong criticism: »This moratorium would literally hold all French people hostage for at least the next 15 years by deliberately keeping our country trapped in its deep dependence on imported fossil fuels.«
The Enerplan association criticised the Senate’s draft bill on energy and climate policy as balanced and coherent. However, in its review, the National Assembly completely destroyed this balance and coherence. The moratorium means an immediate and indefinite halt to the construction of any new wind or solar energy plants. »It would be funny if it weren’t so serious. It will have a devastating impact on hundreds of projects currently being carried out in the regions – whether by local authorities, businesses or households. Thousands of companies in our country that create non-relocatable value in the regions and employ 150,000 people will disappear.«
In addition to the moratorium on renewable energies, the RN has also pushed through a clause that provides for the »maximum expansion« of nuclear power through the construction of 14 new nuclear power plants by 2030.
However, the review of the law is not yet complete. A final vote in the National Assembly is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, 24 June.
© PHOTON
