France plans 2.9 GW of PV tenders despite lower 2030 target

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">France’s new Multiannual Energy Program sets a 48 GW solar target for 2030 and outlines 2.9 GW of tenders through 2028, with industry saying the framework restores investment visibility and supports gigafactory plans.</span></p><p><strong>From <a href="https://www.pv-magazine.fr/2026/02/13/publication-du-decret-sur-la-ppe-3/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">pv magazine France</a></strong></p>
<p>Following the official announcement of photovoltaic targets in France’s new Multiannual Energy Program (PPE 3), Economy Minister Roland Lescure confirmed at a press conference that specifications for upcoming solar tenders will be published imminently.</p>
<p>“We will launch a tender next week with a target volume of 2.9 GW by 2026, alongside a 300 MW ‘Large Buildings PV’ tender published in the Official Journal of the European Union,” he said. “This represents 3 GW of new capacity. We are committed to maintaining strong ambition for photovoltaics: reaching between 55 and 80 GW by 2035, which corresponds to two-thirds of our data center needs.”</p>
<p>The announcement follows a decree published in the Official Journal on 13 February 2026, limiting the allocation of public support for onshore wind and solar PV until 31 December 2028, in line with Article 3 of Decree No. 2020-456 of 21 April 2020.</p>
<p>French solar trade association Enerplan said the text sets a 2.9 GW target for 2026–2028, maintaining the pace established under PPE 2. It equates to an annual program of 3.6 GWp, including a cap of 2.9 GWp for tenders and 0.7 GWp supported through direct funding. Enerplan said the tender cap provides companies with visibility to continue developing projects and planning growth.</p>
<p>The decree also requires the government to publish a report by the end of 2026 on electricity consumption trends, low-carbon generation development and progress in flexibility. A review clause allows for a simplified revision of the PPE at the end of 2027 if necessary.</p>
<p>After five years of consultation and political debate, and nearly three years of delays, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled PPE 3 at an EDF hydroelectric plant in the Jura region. The updated plan scales back earlier solar ambitions, setting a target of 48 GW of installed capacity by 2030, rising to between 55 GW and 80 GW by 2035.</p>
<p>The trajectory aligns with RTE’s R3 scenario, implying annual deployment of roughly 3.5 GW. That represents a slowdown of around 40% compared with 2025, when France added a record 6 GW of new solar capacity.</p>
<p>“This represents a step back from the initial 54 GW target for solar by 2030,” said Daniel Bour, president of Enerplan.</p>
<p>Despite the lower 2030 target, industry representatives broadly welcomed the framework. The 48 GW goal remains above the previously considered R2 scenario of 42 GW.</p>
<p>“After the challenges of recent months, this is a great relief, restoring visibility for solar companies and our clients,” said Édouard Roblot, director of solar energy at Idex, which develops projects through third-party investment. He noted that stalled CRE tender periods had prevented some real estate companies from meeting rooftop and parking canopy solar requirements for new buildings.</p>
<p>Dozens of photovoltaic developers have recently mobilized in Paris and Montpellier to call for an ambitious PPE and continued institutional support for solar permitting.</p>
<p>The French Renewable Energy Association (Syndicat des énergies renouvelables) also welcomed the volumes.</p>
<p>“These volumes provide visibility for developers while supporting the emergence of gigafactories for module and cell production by Carbon and HoloSolis,” said its president, Jules Nyssen. Each factory represents around €1 billion in investment and approximately 2,000 jobs.</p>