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France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
October 2014

                    Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy

                The Energy Transition a user's guide

          France is emerging as one of the leading
              environmental players worldwide.
              We have the necessary resources,
            the skills and the talent. The current
               draft law and related measures
          provide citizens, businesses and regions
             throughout France with the means
            to take action, boosting employment
            with 100,000 green-growth jobs while
                     protecting our planet
                    from climate change.

   www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
2   Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
T
                                      he Energy Transition for Green Growth draft law and its related
                                      action plans, are designed to give France the means to further
                                      contribute to tackling climate change while reinforcing energy
                                  independence by diversifying the energy mix.

                                  The law will allow citizens, businesses and regions to take concrete
                                  action, in order to:

                         Boost household purchasing power by reducing energy bills.
                         Protect the planet and public health.
Seize green growth opportunities, delivering a competitive advantage for today's industry
and the cutting-edge industries of the future, while securing jobs in France and improving
quality of life.

Many initiatives have already been launched, setting the stage for large-scale implementation;
the experience acquired to date has in turn directly inspired simplifications and additions
to the draft law.

The movement is underway.
By expanding and consolidating this dynamic, we can take full advantage of two major
sources of growth and jobs:
 Energy savings, especially through massive incentives for investment in home renovations

   and access to clean transport.
 The rise of on- and offshore renewable energies, a base for technological performance
   and economic growth, and which hold great potential in France and its overseas territories.

We have the assets required to make energy transition a success and become a leading
environmental player worldwide: the initiative and resourcefulness of our people, the
commitment of our local and regional officials, the calibre of our research, and the skill and
creativity of our businesses, both large and small.

Making efficient use of our resources, fostering prosperity, long-term employment and
quality of life, both today and for the future: the draft law will provide each and every one
of us with the means to be part of the solution and reap the full benefits of green growth.

                                                                     Ministry of Ecology,
                                                            Sustainable Development and Energy

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                                     3
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
Making a successful energy tran

 PREPARING FOR THE POST-OIL ERA
 Most of the energy that we consume today causes pollution, is expensive and is derived from
 increasingly scarce fossil resources. The energy transition is a plan for the post-oil era and
 a step towards a new French energy model, which is stronger and more sustainable in its
 response to key energy supply challenges, changes in prices, the depletion of resources and
 environmental protection requirements.

 SETTING A GOAL
 The bill sets out the major goals of this new energy model and mobilises the resources
 required to achieve them. It establishes a strategy for low CO2 emissions, known as the
 low-carbon strategy, in the form of a multi-year energy plan which sets out the conditions
 under which the goals of the bill shall be achieved.

      new management tools

     Low-carbon development strategy               A multi-annual energy programme
     The government will set long-term             The bill merges existing programming
     goals (factor of 4) and emission limits       periods in all energy sectors (electricity
     (carbon budgets) for five-year periods,       and heat) into a single instrument
     which France must not exceed. To meet         comprising several areas: improvement
     these limits, a low-carbon strategy will      of energy efficiency and energy savings;
     be established over three successive          security of supply; support for renewable
     periods of five years. National policies      energies; development and optimisation.
     for transport, urban and rural planning,      The multi-annual programme will be
     energy production and agriculture will        established over two successive periods
     take this strategy into account.              of five years.

     For both these tools, the time periods will be 2015/2016-2018, 2019-2023, 2024-2028, etc.

 4                                                       Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
sition to build green growth

 C         clear objectives to be achieved
      The bill sets out medium and long-term objectives in order to provide a joint framework
      for action by citizens, businesses, regions and the government.
       Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 40% between 1990 and 2030 and by 75%
          between 1990 and 2050 (factor of 4). The path shall be set out in the carbon budgets.
        Reduce our final energy consumption by 50% by 2050 in relation to the 2012
          benchmark, while aiming to achieve an intermediate target of 20% in 2030.
        Reduce our final energy consumption of fossil fuels by 30% by 2030
         in relation to the 2012 benchmark.
        Bring the proportion of renewable energies down to 23% of gross final energy
          consumption by 2020 and to 32% of gross final energy consumption by 2030.
        Bring the proportion of nuclear energy used in electricity generation down to 50%
          by 2025.
        Create an energy performance target to be achieved by the entire housing stock by 2050.

        Combat fuel poverty.

        Assert the right of access to energy for all people at a reasonable cost in relation to
          household resources.

  TAKING ACTION NOW
  The energy transition centres on:
      
        the government, which is adopting new management tools and is committed to working
        alongside the regions through an ambitious energy transition component in the State-
        Region plan contracts;

         l ocal authorities , which support and run local projects with local residents. For example,
            regional energy-air-climate plans shall become the exclusive competence of inter-
            municipal associations and constitute a framework for action for the energy transition;

          usinesses, industrial sectors in particular, which will benefit from strong support (simplified
           b
           procedures, reduced periods of appeal, calls for tenders, access to finance, technical support);

         c itizens, who will be better informed. They will also have access to financial and technical
            support to facilitate their involvement in the local production of renewable energy, the
            purchase of clean vehicles, the renovation of housing and measures to combat fuel poverty.

  www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                                          5
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
CONTENTS
8 11 14 17
Better insulation
of buildings
                    Developing
                    clean transport
                                         Promoting
                                         renewable
                                                                         Tackling
                                                                         waste
                                         energy                          and promoting
                                                                         the circular
                                                                         economy

                                      20 22
                                      Simplifying
                                      and clarifying
                                                                    Optimising nuclear
                                                                    safety and public
                                      procedures                    information

                    8
                    11

                                                             14 17

                                              20 22

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France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
1           BUILDINGS
            Renovating buildings to save energy
            Cutting bills
            Creating jobs

The building sector accounted for 44% of the energy consumption in France in
2012. It is the largest energy consumer and offers significant opportunities for
energy efficiency. 123 million tonnes of CO2 are emitted by the building sector
each year.

    Goals

      Halve energy consumption between now and 2050.
      Renovate 500,000 housing units per year.
      Create 75,000 jobs in the sector throughout France.

Taking action now
        ccelerating energy renovation in the housing sector.
         A
       Improving the performance of new builds.
      Managing consumption by using active energy management support tools.

       Developing positive energy regions.

8                                                     Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
INDIVIDUALS

WIDESPREAD PROVISION OF INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
The deployment of smart gas (Gazpar) and electricity (Linky) meters will improve the information
given to users about their consumption.

AID FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
The creation of an energy renovation guarantee fund will allow for the provision of aid for
financing works in housing.

CREATION OF A MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE RECORD FOR HOUSING
The creation of this digital record for housing will help to improve knowledge and facilitate
the performance of energy renovation works.

 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
 BETTER INSULATED HOUSING AND LOWER BILLS
 The Energy Transition Tax Credit (crédit d’impôt transition énergétique – CITE) allows
 residents to obtain a refund of 30% of the cost of energy renovation work. The value of
 the works taken into account amounts to up to €8,000 for a single person and €16,000
 for a couple.
 The relaunch of the interest-free eco-loan (September 2014) allows owners to benefit
 from an interest-free loan of up to €30,000 for the performance of energy renovation
 work.

    LOCAL AUTHORITIES

A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR MUNICIPAL GROUPS
These energy-renovation platforms will provide advice, information on funding and registered
tradespeople, as well as conducting energy audits.

NEW-BUILD PUBLIC BUILDINGS
These will be exemplary on the energy level and where possible will be positive-energy
buildings.

 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
 Since 1 August 2014, the savings fund of the Caisse des dépôts et consignations (French
 Deposit and Consignment Office), amounting to €5 billion, has been reserved for the funding
 of projects that contribute to the energy transition, at a beneficial rate.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                                9
France is emerging as one of the leading environmental players worldwide. We have the necessary resources, the skills and the talent. The current ...
BUILDINGS
     Renovating buildings to save energy
     Cutting bills
     Creating jobs

          BUSINESSES

BUILDING SECTOR BOOSTED BY ENERGY RENOVATION
Urban planning rules are being simplified to remove obstacles to the insulation of buildings
and 75,000 jobs will be created thanks to the projects undertaken with State aid.

          OVERARCHING ACTIONS

PROMOTION OF POSITIVE-ENERGY PUBLIC BUILDINGS
The draft law provides for the construction of positive-energy buildings that generate more
energy than they consume.

THIRD-PARTY FINANCING
Creation of an operational framework for third-party financing by public companies.
This allow for funds to be advanced to private individuals wishing to carry out works.

 PLANNING REGULATIONS
 Planning regulations will no longer restrict insulation work on buildings or renewable
    energy generation facilities (these exemptions also apply to public buildings).
 Planning documents will now require new-build projects to meet low-consumption and
    positive energy standards.

MAJOR RENOVATIONS
The performance of major building work (e.g. re-roofing, façade renovations and exten-
sions), should be used as an opportunity to significantly improve the energy performance
of all buildings.

     IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

      TWO CALLS FOR PROJECTS HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED
      200 positive energy regions for green growth in order to promote regions that aim to
      minimise their energy requirements and then use local resources to meet these needs.
      Housing energy renovation platforms to create or consolidate local platforms, in order to

      facilitate and support individuals' renovation projects.

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CLEAN
2         TRANSPORT
           Developing green transport to improve air quality
           and protect public health

The transport sector is the number one producer of greenhouse gas emissions,
accounting for 27% of France's total emissions in 2011. Road transport is a major
air polluter representing 15% of national particle emissions and 56% of nitrogen
oxide emissions.

 Goals

     Strengthen efforts to combat air pollution.
     Reduce dependency on hydrocarbons.

Taking action now
       roviding universal access to electric vehicles in France.
        P
      Funding clean transport.
      Leading by example in the public sector.
      Supporting business, research and innovation.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                11
CLEAN         TRANSPORT
Developing green transport to improve air quality and protect public health

     INDIVIDUALS
CAR BONUS
Extend and increase the electric vehicle purchase bonus when a diesel vehicle is replaced.
This additional benefit will be paid on a means-tested basis, and priority will be given to those
areas where air quality is poor. The combined total of the bonus and conversion premium
could reach €10,000.

TRAVELEXPENSES
Employers will contribute to their employees' travel expenses for journeys made by bicycle or
electric bicycle between home and the workplace.

 ELECTRIC CHARGE POINTS
 From September 2014 to 31 December 2015, individuals installing charge points for elec-
 tric cars will be eligible for a tax credit of 30% (Draft Budget Bill 2015).

     LOCAL AUTHORITIES
CAR FLEET
The government and public bodies are required to renew their car fleets to ensure that clean
vehicles account for 50% of the fleet, prioritising electric vehicles. Local authorities are sub-
ject to the same requirement concerning 20% of their fleet.

RURAL MOBILITY PLAN
Rural regions may use consultation and planning tools that are adapted to the specificities of
the rural area.

 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
 Since 1 August 2014, the €5 billion savings fund of the Caisse des dépôts et consignations
 (French Deposit and Consignment Office) has been reserved for the funding of projects
 that contribute to the energy transition, at a beneficial rate.

     BUSINESSES
WIDESPREAD IMPLEMENTATION OF MOBILITY PLANS (PLANS DE MOBILITÉ)
These will be broadened to promote carpooling and car-sharing.

LARGE RETAILERS
Greenhouse gas emissions from transport and logistics activities in the mass retail sector
must be reduced by 10% by 2020, and by 20% by 2025.
12                                                      Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
CAR HIRE AND TAXIS
Car hire and taxi companies must renew their fleets to ensure that clean vehicles account for
10% of their fleets.

     OVERARCHING ACTIONS

 ELECTRIC CHARGE POINTS
 The bill sets a target of 7 million electric vehicle charging points throughout France by
    2030. 10,000 public charging points have been in operation since the summer of 2014.
 New car parking provision will be equipped with charging points, which will also be
    installed as part of car park renovation work in existing buildings. Charging points must
    also be installed in car parks at existing shopping centres.

RENEWABLE ENERGY
France has set itself the target of ensuring that 10% of the energy consumed in all modes
of transport will originate from renewable sources in 2020.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
Measures to restrict traffic could be implemented in areas affected by poor air quality.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                            13
3          RENEWABLE
           ENERGY
            Developing renewable energies to balance our energy sources
            and develop local resources

France, including the mainland and overseas territories, benefits from exceptional
assets that will allow it to become a major producer of renewable energy.
In 2012, 14% of the energy that we consumed was of renewable origin.

 Goals

        D ouble the share of renewables in the French energy system over the next fifteen years.
        O ptimise financial support.
        M odernise the hydroelectricity generation system.
        C reate jobs.

14                                                         Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
Increase the proportion
of renewable energy in
final energy consumption to                       32 %                  in 2030

        INDIVIDUALS

INVESTING IN PROJECTS
There are incentives for residents to acquire shareholdings in limited companies involved
in local renewable energy projects.

     LOCAL AUTHORITIES

FRENCH OVERSEAS COLLECTIVITIES
French Overseas Collectivities shall have greater involvement in defining the invitations
to tender in their regions.

INVESTING IN PROJECTS
Municipalities and their inter-municipal bodies shall be able to acquire shareholdings
in limited companies whose corporate purpose is the generation of renewable energy.

 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
  S ince 1 August 2014, the €5 billion savings fund of the Caisse des dépôts et consignations
    (French Deposit and Consignment Office) has been reserved for the funding of projects
    that contribute to energy transition, at a beneficial rate.
  The call for 1,500 methanisation projects in rural areas of France over 3 years has been
    launched. The methanisation plan will enable energy (biogas) to be generated from
    agricultural waste.

     BUSINESSES
SECTORS OF EXCELLENCE
Calls for tenders for photovoltaic installations will be extended and improved to ensure
the regular and sustainable deployment of renewable energy sources.

FINANCIAL AID FOR MATURE RENEWABLE ENERGY
A new support scheme for renewable electrical energy (onshore wind and solar photovoltaic,
etc.) has been created. The electricity generated will be sold directly on the market and
benefit from a premium.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                              15
RENEWABLE                  ENERGY
 Developing renewables to create a balanced energy mix
 and optimise regional resources

     OVERARCHING ACTIONS

  HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
The management of hydroelectric power plants is being modernised:
 concession contracts can be consolidated within large valleys to optimise operations;

  
    semi-public hydroelectricity companies can be created in order to bring regional authorities
    more closely together to manage different uses for water and improve the transparency
    and control of France's hydroelectricity facilities, while involving the participation of
    companies.

SIMPLIFICATION OF PROCEDURES
New simplification measures will help reduce the costs of procedures and preliminary
studies and reduce the periods of appeal for renewable marine energies.
The draft law provides for the widespread implementation of the experiment with the
single permit for wind turbines, biogas plants and installations governed by the Water Act
(including dams).

 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
 Greater support for the heat fund provides stronger backing for the production of heat from
 renewable sources (biomass, geothermal, solar thermal, etc.)

16                                                      Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
4          CIRCULAR
           ECOMONY
           Tackling waste and promoting the circular economy,
           from product design to recycling

Our economy's linear system - extract, manufacture, consume and discard - has
reached its limits.

 Goals

    Progressively
                 dissociate economic growth from the consumption of raw materials.
    Reduce household waste and similar products by 10% between now and 2020.
    Recover 55% of non-hazardous waste by 2020 and 60% by 2025.
    Recover 70% of construction and civil engineering waste by 2020.
    Halve the amounts of waste disposed of in landfill sites by 2025.

Taking action now
     Involving all citizens and making businesses accountable.
      Mobilising local authorities.
      
        Developing innovative activities and creating jobs.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                      17
CIRCULAR               ECONOMY
 Tackling waste and promoting the circular economy:
 from product design to recycling

        INDIVIDUALS

THE END OF DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS
From 1 January 2016, the distribution of disposable plastic bags will be prohibited.
The distribution of disposable plastic cutlery will be prohibited from 1 January 2020.

SORTING
Progressive harmonisation of regional authorities' collection schemes in order to facilitate the
act of sorting by citizens on a daily basis.

       LOCAL AUTHORITIES

 FOOD WASTE
 Source separation of food waste:
 Local authorities are encouraged to introduce the widespread source separation of food waste
 between now and 2025 in order to use it as new resources, e.g. compost for individuals.
 Tackling food waste:
 Implementation of a plan to tackle food waste in collective catering departments, including
 school canteens, managed by the Stateand regional authorities.

PAPER
The State shall set an example with regard to paper supplies: 25% of its paper must be
recycled from 1 January 2017 and at least 40% from 1 January 2020.

     20 ZERO-WASTING ZERO-WASTE REGIONS
     The first call for "Zero wasting, zero waste" (Zéro gaspillage, zéro déchet) projects was
     launched in July 2014. Its goal is to commit 20 regions, on a voluntary basis, to an exem-
     plary and participative approach to reducing, reusing and recycling their waste.

        BUSINESSES

CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING WASTE
Creating a network of professional waste collection centres for the construction and civil
engineering sectors between now and 1 January 2017, by introducing a scheme requiring
distributors to collect materials from building and civil engineering professionals at (or
near) sales outlets.

18                                                       Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
OVERARCHING ACTIONS
PROXIMITY PRINCIPLE
Strengthening the proximity principle so that waste is treated as near as possible to where it
is produced. The target is to reduce distances travelled and energy consumption.

 RECOVERED WASTE
 Prohibiting discrimination against materials manufactured from recovered waste, such as
    recycled plastic in packaging and materials recycled from demolished buildings.
 Promoting the production of energy from recovered waste which is not recyclable (urban
    heating networks, etc.) and a better use of waste wood.

TACKLING PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE
Improving the design of products in order to reduce their environmental impact and increase
their lifespan.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                            19
5         SIMPLIFICATION
          Simplifying and clarifying procedures to boost efficiency
          and competitiveness

In order to accelerate the deployment of all renewable energies and connect
them to national transmission and distribution networks, changes to current
legislation are required.

 Goals

      R
        emove regulatory constraints.

20                                             Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
INDIVIDUALS
GUARANTEEING THE BEST ELECTRICITY PRICES
Guaranteeing the best prices for consumers by implementing a new method for calculating
the regulated tariffs for the sale of electricity.

ENERGY VOUCHER
Creating an energy voucher to help low-income households pay their bills.

    LOCAL AUTHORITIES

ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION
Strengthening the involvement of regional authorities with regard to investments in electricity
distribution grids by creating a committee for the public electricity distribution system.

COASTLINE
Authorising the installation of wind turbines in municipalities governed by the coastline
protection act (Loi littorale), subject to conditions.

OVERSEAS
Strengthening the role of French Overseas Collectivities in the governance of the energy
transition and the evolution of regions of environmental excellence (Territoires d’excellence
environnementale).

     BUSINESSES
SIMPLIFICATION
Widespread implementation throughout France of the experiment with the single permit for
wind turbines, biogas plants and installations governed by the Water Act (including dams).

COMPETITIVENESS
The consumption of companies using a lot of electricity is stable and foreseeable throughout
the year. Such companies therefore benefit the electricity system, as they are able to absorb
fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. These advantages will be taken into account
through the reduction of the price share relating to electricity transport and distribution. These
companies will also be provided with incentives to reduce their consumption.

     OVERARCHING ACTIONS

PROCEDURES AND TIME FRAMES
The bill sets out several clarification and simplification procedures: it will shorten deadlines
for appeal, it will clarify operator responsibilities and facilitate connections in coastal areas.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                                21
6        NUCLEAR ENERGY
          Optimising nuclear safety and public information

The bill takes additional steps in terms of providing transparency and information
to citizens on the matter of nuclear safety. It sets forth the conditions for
dismantling and storing waste in a way that is highly efficient and stringent with
regard to protecting the environment.

 Goals

      Clarify operator responsibilities with regard to nuclear safety.
      Strengthen the role of the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).

The target is to reduce the share
of nuclear-produced electricity
to
     50 %       by 2025

22                                                    Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
INDIVIDUALS

INFORMATION AND TRANSPARENCY
Citizens who live close to nuclear plants will be informed regularly of risks and preventive
and security measures. In the case of installations located near national borders, the Local
Information Commissions will be extended to include representatives living in neighbouring
countries.

     OVERARCHING ACTIONS

CONTROL AND PENALTIES
Strengthening of the supervisory resources and powers of the Nuclear Safety Authority
(Autorité de sûreté nucléaire – ASN). It will be given more incremental supervisory and punitive
powers (administrative fines, daily penalties, possibility of making seizures, etc.).

 LIFESPAN OF NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS
 Creation of a stricter regulatory framework for the continued operation of nuclear facilities
    that are over 40 years old.
 
   Complete reappraisal of the supervision of the definitive shutdown of facilities: the
   preference is for the dismantling of facilities as soon as possible after their shutdown.

DIVERSIFICATION OF ENERGY SOURCES
The bill makes provisions for diversifying energy sources to bring down the share of electricity
from nuclear to 50% by 2025. Installed nuclear capacity is capped at 63.2 GW (which
represents the current installed nuclear capacity).

 ULTI-YEAR ENERGY PROGRAMMING (PROGRAMMATION PLURIANNUELLE DE L'ÉNERGIE –
M
PPE)
The PPE will set the share of electricity produced by each generation source (nuclear, hydraulic,
biomass, fuels, gas, wind, photovoltaic, etc.), with a target for electricity from renewable
sources to account for 32% of final energy consumption by 2030.

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                              23
7 FUNDINGTHE ENERGY TRANSITION

Significant financial resources have been secured for the bill and action plans.

     INDIVIDUALS

  THE ENERGY TRANSITION TAX CREDIT
Since 1 September 2014, the energy transition tax credit has put renovation works within
everyone's reach:
 it is accessible to everyone: owner-occupiers and tenants. It allows for a 30% refund on the
    amount of energy renovation works
  
    it is applicable from the first renovation operation: installation of individual meters, insulation
    of walls and attics, etc.

 RELAUNCH OF THE INTEREST-FREE ECO-LOAN
The aim is to reach the target of 100,000 loans and initiate €2 billion of works per year:
 it is accessible to all owners
 
   it applies to work carried out by qualified professionals awarded the RGE (Reconnu garant
   de l’environnement) environmental quality certification
  
   its maximum amount is €30,000.

24                                                          Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
LOCAL AUTHORITIES

FUNDING THE ENERGY TRANSITION THROUGH THE €5 BILLION
CAISSE DES DÉPÔTS FUND
The Caisse des dépôts savings fund has been supporting key local public sector projects for
the last ten years. These loans are used to finance regional initiatives: energy renovations and
positive-energy buildings, clean transport and renewable energy.

     BUSINESSES

LONG-TERM FUNDING
Long-term finance is already planned for major groups in order to support the development
of green bonds. The latest addition is the provision of finance for small and medium projects
to be developed in the regions.

DOUBLING THE VOLUME OF BPI FRANCE LOANS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
BPI France grants loans for funding the investments of companies that generate renewable
energy. The total value of the loans will be doubled between now and 2017, rising to €800
million per year.

ENERGY RENOVATION OF BUILDINGS OCCUPIED BY VSES AND SMES
The loans will be backed by the Energy Transition Financing Fund (Fonds de financement de
la transition énergétique).

           100,000 jobs
           in green growth, building and
           new energies

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                              25
GLOSSARY
BIOFUEL                                    FOSSIL FUELS
A fuel obtained from converting plant      Energy produced from fossil fuels:
oils or animal fats. Types of biofuel      coal, oil and natural gas. These fuels
include biodiesel and biokerosene.         of limited resources are essentially
                                           composed of carbon (and hydrogen
BIOMASS                                    for gas and oil). The combustion of
Refers to plants or plant-based            fossil fuels emits pollutants, including
materials that can be collected to         carbon dioxide (CO2).
produce energy, including wood,
biogas and straw.                          GREENHOUSE GAS
                                           A gas that absorbs the infrared
CIRCULAR ECONOMY                           radiation emitted by the earth’s
A system of production and exchanges       surface and contributes to heating
which takes into account, from the         the planet.
moment of creation, the durability
and recycling of products or their         PASSIVE HOUSE
components so that they can become         This concept is designed to minimise
either reusable objects or new raw         heat loss from the building and make
materials. The objective being to          the best use of solar power. The
improve the efficiency of the use of       reduction in energy bills compared
natural resources including water and      to a traditional house is estimated
energy throughout the life cycle of        at 80% or more.
products.
                                           POSITIVE-ENERGY BUILDING
ENERGY EFFICIENCY                          A building that produces more energy
The goal is to reduce the amount           (electricity, heat) than is consumed to
of energy a process or appliance           run it.
uses. For a household appliance, for
example, better energy efficiency can      RENEWABLE ENERGIES
be defined as less energy consumed         Renewable sources of energy are
for the same service provided.             wind, solar, geothermal, aerothermal,
                                           hydrothermal, sea and hydraulic
ENERGY MIX                                 power, plus energy produced from
This is the distribution, within a given   biomass, landfill gas, sewage gas and
country or region, of the overall          biogas. They are inexhaustible and
consumption of various energy sources.     generate very little pollution.

26                                                     Bill relating to energy transition for green growth
Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy
  Editor: MEDDE-MLETR/M. Lambert Sub-editor: MEDDE-MLETR/M. Flégeo Design and production: MEDDE-MLETR/A. Desdoits
  Photo credits: MEDDE-MLETR/A. Bouissou, MEDDE-MLETR/L.Mignaux, Fotolia Ref. DICOM-CAB/PLA/14123-2 - GB - January 2015

  Printing: MEDDE-MLETR/SG/SPSSI/ATL2 - Brochure printed on paper certified with the European ecolabel, www.eco-label.com

www.votreenergiepourlafrance.fr                                                                                             27
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                  Ministry of Ecology,
Sustainable Development and Energy
                 Hôtel de Roquelaure
         246 boulevard Saint-Germain
                         75007 Paris

           Tel. 33 (0)1 40 81 21 22
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