France will expand its renewable curtailment mechanism to more solar and wind installations, lowering the capacity threshold from 10 MW to 1 MW in two stages from December 2026. The rules target periods of negative electricity prices, with EDF preparing affected operators for remote shutdowns while maintaining existing compensation arrangements.
France is significantly expanding the number of photovoltaic and wind installations that may be required to temporarily halt production during periods of negative electricity prices.
The change was introduced by a new order published in the Journal Officiel on July 24. It amends the mechanism established by the December 22, 2025, decree and lowers the applicable capacity threshold from 10 MW to 1 MW, with implementation taking place in two stages.
The mechanism is designed to align renewable power generation with periods of electricity oversupply, particularly when market prices turn negative. It applies to ground-mounted solar and onshore wind installations benefiting from certain forms of public support, including feed-in tariffs and feed-in premiums. For photovoltaics, the rules cover ground-mounted plants, rooftop systems, installations on industrial buildings and solar canopies.
