FRANCE’S INDUSTRY MINISTER, Christian Pierret, has said the government will unveil simplified procedures for the construction of hydroelectric and wind power facilities. Speaking at an annual conference on wind power by energy union Syndicat des Energies Renouvelables, Pierret said a streamlined application process is necessary for France to reach its goal of generating 21% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010, with an emphasis on wind power and hydroelectricity.
The minister also highlighted the need to study the environmental constraints blocking the development of small hydroelectric facilities. European power companies looking to develop hydroelectric plants in France have complained in the past that the country’s procedures to build these facilities are too lengthy.