France Launches 700 MW Utility Scale PV Tender

The French energy regulator Commission de Régulation de l'Energie (CRE) has invited bids for a utility scale solar PV tender under which it aims to contract 700 MW. If the aggregate volume registered is more than 700 MW, the tender volume may be increased to 1 GW for projects to be located in mainland France.

This is the 10^th tender call for utility scale installations for solar PV technology in France for installations of more than 500 kW. As during the previous 9 rounds, bids may be forwarded for following 3 categories:

• Category 1: 450 MW for ground mounted installations of over 5 MW.
• Category 2: 180 MW for ground mounted systems of over 500 kW and up to 5 MW.
• Category 3: Solar energy systems installed for parking shades, as carports, with system range of more than 500 kW and up to 10 MW.

In case the total tender capacity is raised to 1 GW, it will reflect an increase to up to 650 MW under category 1, up to 250 MW for category 2 and to 100 MW for category 3.

CRE has stressed that solar modules to be used for any of the eligible projects under the tender need to have low carbon emission, not exceeding a specific limit per kWh. Those meeting the requirement will be preferred.

Tender documents available on the CRE website specify the last date to submit applications is June 25, 2021.