France has reached an agreement with the European Commission to resolve two long-running disputes that have blocked investment in hydroelectric power for more than a decade.
The government said the breakthrough will allow a relaunch of investments in dams and valleys, supporting climate goals and energy sovereignty.
The disputes, dating back to 2015 and 2019, concerned the lack of competitive retendering for expired concessions and the dominant position of EDF in the sector, according to Paris.
Talks have concluded with a three-part framework that includes a shift from concessions to an authorisation regime, while excluding assets of the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône due to their special legislative status, the government said.
Current operators will be maintained to ensure continuity of service, safeguard local jobs and preserve water management responsibilities, it added.
EDF will also make 6GW of hydro capacity available to third parties through competitive auctions overseen by the Commission de régulation de l’énergie, Paris said.
The government said this structure reflects recommendations made by parliamentarians Marie-Noëlle Battistel and Philippe Bolo, who presented findings of a mission earlier this year.
Prime minister François Bayrou said: “After more than ten years of pre-contentious disputes, a path has finally been cleared to lift this blockage and restart investment in French hydroelectric dams.”
He thanked the parliamentarians, energy minister Marc Ferracci, state services and the Commission for making the agreement possible.
The reform will require legislation, with Battistel and Bolo preparing to table a bill in the French parliament.