Abstract
The guidance documents are intended to be available for regulators and advisors as they carry out their decision-making and for developers and consultants as they prepare consenting and licensing applications. This country-specific document presents an overview of regulations relevant for marine renewable energy development in France. It is not intended to replace any regulatory requirements or prescribe action for a particular risk. This document is intended to be read in conjunction with the background document.
Regulatory responsibility for marine renewable energy (MRE) in France extends out to the limits of the Economic Exclusive Zone (200 nautical miles) and is the responsibility of several “French Departments”. Any MRE developer is subject to request three types of authorizations from administrative authorities (the maritime and regional Prefects): a concession to use the public maritime domain, an environmental permit, and a declaration of public utility. Different kinds of MRE are being developed or will be developed in France, both along the coasts of mainland France and overseas. Tidal, wave, and wind energy are available both nearshore and offshore of mainland and overseas France, while thermal energy is only available overseas.