Consumer (Co-)Ownership in Renewables in France

Despite the central and constraining role of the State regarding energy decisions and citizens initiatives in the field of RE, recently energy policy documents, in particular the 2015 Energy Transition Act include provision favourable to community and participative projects reflecting a “French localism” that seems to be emerging. We observe a dynamic development over time from only four co-owned renewable power plants in the field of energy in 2008 to 54 in 2016 Finally, consumer (co-)ownership received explicit recognition of its crucial role in the 2018 recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) as part of the Clean Energy Package. In principle participation in RE projects is possible via any available type of corporation, partnership or individual business activity, similar to those in other European countries. Co-operatives as a legal vehicle are also available and RE cooperatives are expressly mentioned in the article 111 of the Energy Transition Act. Individual investments in solar collectors and photovoltaic installations on private buildings, often facilitated by municipalities making use of financing programs offered by the state are gaining popularity. While RE projects take diverse forms the simplified joint-stock company (SAS, Société par actions simplifiée) and the cooperative company of public interest (SCIC, Société cooperative d’interet collectif) are the most widely used corporate vehicles. Despite obstacles, these projects are increasing in number and are becoming more and more common. Programs such as the village centrals (“Centrales villageoises”) supported by European and French regional funds also contribute to creating legal tools, e.g., company statutes, leases for rooftop installations and shared services like insurance policy or accounting adequate for these projects.