Energy: France says solar power is "the big one"

France has announced plans to build at least one solar power plant in each region with a combined strength of 300 megawatts. The date for completion has been set for 2011.

"Solar is the big one," French Environment and Energy Minister Jean-Louis Borloo said. "In terms of industrial collapse and lower industrial costs, it's the one that we have the most extensive capacity."

The minister said solar energy would be competitive with other sources "around 2020."

"France aims to play a leading role in the technological revolution which is about to happen in solar power," he added.

According to the plan, the amount of solar power used in the country will share 23 percent of renewables in final energy consumption by 2020, compared with 10.3 percent in 2005.

Published by Mike Hitchen, mikehitchenconsulting.com
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