France Advances Solar-Plus-Storage Grid Integration and Electricity Demand Flexibility

Easing Grid Connection Rules for Solar-Plus-Storage

France plans to relax grid connection regulations for solar-plus-storage projects with installed capacity up to 25 MW, provided that the maximum power injection into the grid does not exceed 17 MW. This exemption from the current 17 MW connection limit is intended to facilitate hybrid renewable energy projects without increasing grid injection capacity.

The measure is scheduled for implementation by the end of 2026 and forms part of the government's broader initiative to accelerate electrification and improve electricity demand flexibility.

Promoting Smart Energy Management in Residential Sector

The government has identified significant untapped potential in the residential sector through smart management of heating, domestic hot water, and electric vehicle (EV) charging. To unlock this potential, subsidies for heat pumps will become conditional on smart-control capabilities starting in 2027, enabling households to save approximately €150.

For EV charging infrastructure, the government plans to collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure smart-control functions are enabled by default. Options include connecting charging stations to the nationwide Linky smart meter system or implementing connectivity solutions that schedule charging during off-peak hours, potentially saving households between €70 and €100 annually.

Expanding Electricity Demand Flexibility and Smart Meter Utilization

France aims to enhance electricity demand flexibility by encouraging greater use of Linky smart meters, which currently support applications like automated domestic hot water heating but remain underutilized. The government intends to integrate these meters with residential energy management systems to optimize demand flexibility.

Additionally, the energy regulator CRE is promoting electricity consumption during periods of high solar generation by testing new supply products through EDF Obligation d’Achat. These products are designed to incentivize consumers to shift demand to times of abundant solar output, typically peaking around midday.

Several industry players have committed to expanding flexibility capacity by 2030, including Gimelec targeting 6 GW in commercial buildings, EDF aiming to remotely control energy-intensive equipment in five million households, Neoen committing to 1 GW of flexibility capacity, and NW Group planning a €1 billion investment to add 1.5 GW of flexibility capacity.