France’s Remarkable Solar Growth
France’s Ministry of Ecological Transition revealed a significant surge in solar energy, with 2,229 MW of new photovoltaic (PV) systems seamlessly integrated into the national grid from January to September 2023. This achievement surpasses the 1,923 MW recorded during the same period the previous year. In 2022, the nation celebrated the installation of 2.4 GW of fresh solar capacity.
Quarterly Progress and Regional Impact
The third quarter of 2023 witnessed an impressive addition of 803 MW of new PV systems, showcasing substantial growth compared to the 699 MW recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. As of September 2023, France boasts a cumulative installed PV capacity of 19.0 GW.
Leading the charge in solar adoption, the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Grand Est collectively accounted for 68% of the newly connected capacity in the first nine months of the year. These regions also maintain the highest installed capacity, contributing to over 72% of the total cumulative power connected in France by the end of June.
Future Prospects and Project Pipeline
Looking ahead, the solar landscape in France is poised for continued growth. The aggregate capacity of queued solar projects with grid-connection requests has surged by 27% since the beginning of 2023, reaching an impressive 21.4 GW. This figure includes 5.4 GW with signed connection agreements, reflecting a promising trajectory for sustainable energy development in the country.
France’s commitment to expanding solar infrastructure underscores its dedication to clean and renewable energy sources, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Source:pv-magazine
