France: Ambitious French energy plans are behind the first hurdle
The lower house of the French parliament passed on the “Energy transition (fr. Transition Energetique)” bill, a legislative package that includes reduction of nuclear power production, ambitious targets for renewables for 2020 and 2030 and more like a ban on plastic kitchenware, single-use plastic bags and punishment of applications planned obsolescence to products.
The bill aims to cut fossil fuels use by 30% until 2030 and boost renewables to 23% by 2020 and 32% by 2030. This will involve boosting electric vehicle growth and raising demand for second and third generation biofuels. The text proposes a significant cut in red tape for onshore wind, biogas and small hydropower production by streamlining the authorization process along the lines of a trial held in seven regions. The bill will also lead to increasing country’s heating fund to around €400mn/year from current levels of around €250mn/year. From 2017, the fund will pay to replace oil, gas and coal-fired municipal heating systems — used to heat homes and public buildings — with those powered by renewable energy.
Lawmakers in the national assembly voted by 314 to 219 in support of the bill, with centre-left, green and left-wing parties in favour and centre and far-right members opposing the legislation. “We have reached a major moment for green growth in France,” energy minister Segolene Royal said after the vote. The decree will now move to the country’s senate, where it will be voted on in the coming weeks for adoption into law.
Source: Le Figaro (in French)
