France announced 3GW onshore wind tender

France has unveiled plans to tender 3GW of onshore wind capacity to be delivered over the next three years.

The tenders will offer support to wind power projects with more than six turbines over 20 years. Small projects under 6 MW will continue to enjoy 20-year PPA, larger projects of over 6 MW will have to compete in tenders.

Under the new rules, which are being checked by the EU Commission, wind farms with six machines or less will qualify for subsidy payments directly.

Energy regulator Commission de Regulation de l'Energie (CRE) has already been tasked to prepare the schedule as well as set the terms and conditions for the tenders.

The first auction will open in early November and will be followed by two tenders per year thereafter.

Overall, the country aims to have 21.8GW to 26GW of onshore wind capacity by 2023.