The EU Commission has approved the French scheme amounting to €2.9 billion to incentivize investments in Renewable Energy (RE) projects, aiming to facilitate the transition to a zero-emission CO2 economy in line with the “Green Deal” industrial plan. The measure will be open to companies planning investment projects in the production of solar panels, batteries, wind turbines, and heat pumps, as well as key components for the manufacturing of such equipment. The EU Commission has determined that the French program complies with the conditions established in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, emphasizing in particular:

• The mentioned support measures will encourage the production of strategic equipment for the transition to a zero-emission CO2 economy.
• The amount of support per beneficiary will not exceed the upper limits established in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.
• The support will be allocated no later than December 31, 2025.

The support, which can be granted in any form, will partially compensate companies, especially energy-intensive consumers, for additional costs due to exceptional increases in gas and electricity prices. The individual support amount may be calculated based on past or current consumption. Additionally, member states may provide support flexibly, including for specifically affected energy-intensive sectors, subject to protective measures to avoid excessive energy cost increases. Member states are also urged to consider, in a non-discriminatory manner, setting requirements related to environmental protection.

Within the mentioned program, additional forms of support that member states can utilize are outlined:

• Programs for investments in all renewable energy sources, including renewable hydrogen, biogas, and biomethane, storage, and renewable heat, including through heat pumps, with simplified tendering procedures that can be quickly implemented, while also including sufficient protective measures to ensure equal conditions for all.
• To further accelerate energy supply diversification, member states can support investments in the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels, particularly through electrification, energy efficiency, and the transition to using hydrogen from renewable sources and electricity in accordance with specific conditions, with expanded possibilities to support the decarbonization of industrial processes by transitioning to hydrogen-derived fuels.
• Measures to further accelerate investments in key sectors for transitioning to a net-zero CO2 economy, such as batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, electrolyzers, etc.

The French program and the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework complement each other, providing member states with extensive opportunities to design measures in accordance with existing EU rules on state aid in the field of energy transition and investment in renewable energy, aiming to achieve zero CO2 emissions.