French energy regulator nears decision on 1.7GW of PV tenders

A total of 1,968MW via 396 applications were received, of which 355 were presented for ministerial approval, totalling 1,720MW.

Projects were investigated during a four month period from 1 February 2013 by the CRE to provide the minister of energy with a summary report of proposed projects. The application summaries were forwarded to the minister for energy on 8 October.

The projects will be approved after the energy minister confers with the CRE. Applicants are rated based on a scoring system, on price (10 points), environmental risks and carbon emissions impact (8-10 points), and contributions to research and development (8-10 points), the maximum score is 30.

There were ten proposals received for 100% central solar installations under 12MW, eight were completed, totalling 46.66MW.  

There were 25 applications received for 50% central solar installations under 12MW, of which 23 were completed totalling 187MW.

For central solar with trackers under 12MW, 213 tender documents were received, 187 completed, totalling 1,235MW.

For carport solar installations under 4.5MW in size, there were 34 applications, 30 of which were complete applications, for 66MW.

For rooftop solar under 3MW, 109 submissions were received, 103 completed, totalling 168MW.

For rooftop installations 3-12MW in size there were five submitted, four complete, totalling 20MW.

The appointment of the winners will be announced by the minister at a later date.