France supports the use of European-made parts in wind and solar energy auctions and intends to introduce a cybersecurity requirement.

France has initiated a 12 GW renewable energy auction initiative that emphasizes projects utilizing a greater proportion of European-manufactured technology, aiming to strengthen Europe’s energy autonomy. The nation also announced plans to implement cybersecurity standards in future auctions.

The 12 GW renewable auction initiative includes seven offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of 10 GW, in addition to 1.2 GW of solar energy and 0.8 GW from onshore wind sources.

The "resilience criterion" is designed to prioritize a higher proportion of European-sourced components to lessen dependence on imports, especially from China.

The bidding guidelines limit components sourced from China.

For solar projects, this requirement pertains to photovoltaic cells and panels. In offshore wind initiatives, a maximum of four out of nine key components can be from China, and the proportion of Chinese permanent magnets in offshore wind turbines must not exceed 50%.

Future auctions will incorporate cybersecurity standards.

France indicated that forthcoming renewable energy auctions would feature sustainability and cybersecurity requirements.

Authorities noted this would encompass 288 MW of solar capacity in the 2026 auction, targeting projects between 100 kW and 500 kW, as well as 925 MW of photovoltaic systems larger than 500 kW.

The auctions will include cybersecurity stipulations along with measures to bolster European manufacturing, as reported.

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated that these new requirements are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure domestic industrial supply chains. He also highlighted companies such as Holosolis for solar cells, Nexans for electrical cables, Carester for rare earth processing, and Siemens Gamesa and GE Vernova for wind turbines.