Articles written by Gwénaëlle Deboutte

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Carbon scraps solar module gigafactory project in France Carbon’s gigafactory project in Fos-sur-Mer, designed to build a 5 GW integrated solar manufacturing chain in France, has been abandoned due to insufficient regulatory visibility and investor guarantees. Despite attempts to scale down and pursue partnerships, including with Chinese manufacturer Longi, the project collapsed amid uncertainty over EU industrial policy and market preference mechanisms.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
May 19, 2026
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Negative electricity prices in France hit a new record Negative electricity prices are making a strong comeback in the French energy market. Driven by rising photovoltaic output and reduced nuclear flexibility, they dominated much of April, often falling close to the regulatory floor.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
May 07, 2026
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France publishes specifications for 925 MW ground-mounted solar tender The French energy regulator has released the specifications for the ninth period of the PPE2 ground-mounted solar auction, covering projects above 500 kW and setting a submission deadline of July 30, 2026.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
May 05, 2026
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France streamlines renewables environmental permitting with new provisions Published in the French Official Journal on April 22, a new decree aims to speed up the handling of appeals against strategic environmental projects, particularly in the renewable energy sector. It introduces direct access to administrative courts of appeal and tightens rules on deadlines and procedures for challenging projects.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Apr 24, 2026
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France deploys 1.41 GW of solar in Q1 New figures from grid operator Enedis reveal that France added 1,418 MW of new PV capacity in Q1 2026, roughly matching Q1 2025, despite a broader sector slowdown linked to regulatory changes and delayed tenders.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Apr 17, 2026
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Voltalia secures €100 million financing amid restructuring Voltalia has secured €100 million ($116.8 million) in shareholder financing to support its restructuring plan and asset divestment program as it advances its “Spring” transformation strategy.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Apr 08, 2026
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Switzerland deploys 1.52 GW of solar in 2025 Switzerland’s photovoltaic market slowed in 2025, with newly installed capacity falling 15% to 1,526 MW, according to Swissolar. Despite the decline, growth in residential storage, building electrification, and EV integration points to a gradual market recovery.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Apr 08, 2026
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Solar, mining groups partner to improve mineral traceability The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) have signed an agreement to strengthen traceability and sustainability standards across solar supply chains.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Apr 06, 2026
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France introduces cybersecurity, sustainability requirements in solar tenders The French authorities announced they will assign 288 MW of PV in the 2026 tender for projects ranging from 100 kW to 500 kW in size and 925 MW in the procurement exercise for PV systems exceeding 500 kW. The tenders will include cybersecurity requirements as well as provisions to support European manufacturing.
Gwénaëlle Deboutte
Apr 02, 2026