S'abonner

France mandates 50% canopies; Carrefour and 10 federations respond

In France, Carrefour and ten federations challenge a decree mandating the coverage of 50% of outdoor parking lots with photovoltaic canopies, citing unrealistic deadlines and significant economic impacts.

Share:

The French Council of State is reviewing a request filed by eleven professional federations, including Carrefour, contesting a decree implementing the APER law. This law mandates that outdoor parking lots larger than 1,500 square meters cover 50% of their surface with photovoltaic canopies.

Unrealistic deadlines, say economic actors

The federations argue that the deadlines set by the decree, ranging from July 2026 to January 2028, are unachievable. According to Franck Charton, general delegate of Perifem, an association representing companies such as Carrefour, Casino, and Ikea, “the average time to install photovoltaic canopies is around 18 months per project.” Most companies affected by the regulation have not yet started the necessary work.

This delay, coupled with the limited production capacity of the French industry, will likely force stakeholders to import equipment, mainly from China. “These deadlines do not give the national industry enough time to respond to demand, increasing our dependence on foreign suppliers,” said Charton.

Controversy over the calculation of surface area

The federations also dispute the calculation method introduced by the decree. Initially, the law required coverage of 50% of parking spaces. However, the decree has expanded this requirement to include circulation lanes, which make up a significant portion of parking lot areas.

This adjustment effectively obliges operators to cover all parking spaces to comply, a constraint that Charton describes as “disproportionate and impractical.” These requirements also complicate infrastructure management, making it challenging for certain vehicles to navigate and limiting future possibilities for additional developments such as housing or tree planting.

Significant economic repercussions

Professionals warn of the financial implications of these new obligations. The investments required to comply with the regulation could heavily burden parking lot operators, particularly smaller businesses.

This situation reflects a broader challenge: balancing the government’s environmental ambitions with the economic and industrial realities faced by businesses. The federations hope that the Council of State will provide clarity and adjustments to the decree to strike a balance between ecological goals and economic feasibility.

  • Populaires ​
Thermal Energy launches a CAD 1.4M heat recovery project
Donald Trump significantly increases US tax credits for carbon capture
Czech Republic hit by massive power outage disrupting the economy
EDF postpones Calvados wind farm to 2027 due to faulty drilling tool
France anticipates significant slowdown in emission reductions starting in 2025
Trump law reshapes US energy markets according to Wood Mackenzie
US President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act dramatically changes energy investment rules, imposing restrictions on renewables while favouring hydrocarbons, according to a recent report by consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.
The French Senate adopts the Gremillet bill for energy transition
On July 8, 2025, the Senate validated the Gremillet bill, aimed at structuring France's energy transition with clear objectives for nuclear power, renewable energies, and energy renovation.
Latin America’s six largest economies accelerate transition to renewables
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Peru significantly increase renewable electricity production, reaching nearly 70% of the regional electricity mix, according to a recent Wood Mackenzie study on Latin America's energy sector.
Canada funds 13 Indigenous energy projects with $40mn investment
The Canadian government announces an investment of more than $40mn to fund 13 energy projects led by Indigenous communities across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and increase local renewable energy use.
Germany extends electricity price aid to 2,200 companies
The German Ministry of Economy plans to significantly expand aid aimed at reducing industrial electricity costs, increasing eligible companies from 350 to 2,200, at an estimated cost of €4bn ($4.7bn).
U.S. Senate Approves Accelerated End to Renewable Energy Tax Credits
The Republican budget bill passed by the U.S. Senate accelerates the phase-out of tax credits for renewable energies, favoring fossil fuels and raising economic concerns among solar and wind industry professionals.
Brazil: renewable energy curtailment to jump by 300% by 2035
Rapid growth in solar and wind capacities will lead to a significant rise in electricity curtailment in Brazil, as existing transmission infrastructure remains inadequate to handle this massive influx of energy, according to a recent study by consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.
South Korea reduces its dependence on fossil fuels below 50%
In April 2025, fossil fuels represented 49.5% of South Korea's electricity mix, dropping below the symbolic threshold of 50% for the first time, primarily due to a historic decline in coal-generated electricity production.
US Senate adopts tax neutrality for advanced biofuels
The US Senate Finance Committee modifies the '45Z' tax credit to standardize the tax treatment of renewable fuels, thereby encouraging advanced biofuel production starting October 2025.
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING