French grid operator RTE says almost 3 TWh of renewable energy was curtailed in 2025, driven by higher solar output and more frequent negative-price market periods.
Image: RTE
From pv magazine France
New data from Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), France’s transmission system operator, shows that renewable energy curtailed during negative-price periods nearly doubled compared with 2024, reaching almost 3 TWh. The increase reflects growing integration challenges as solar and wind capacity expands.
Rising renewable output and more hours with zero or negative wholesale prices forced operators to modulate production more frequently. Non‑dispatchable generation – primarily solar and wind – accounted for most of the curtailment.
Much of the change stems from a sharp rise in solar curtailment. An increasing share of France’s renewable fleet now operates under “complément de rémunération” (premium) schemes, incentivizing generators to adjust output in response to market signals. By year-end, wind and solar capacity capable of modulation had climbed, supported by regulatory reforms and new grid-connection rules.
RTE reported total electricity production of about 547.5 TWh in 2025, slightly higher than 2024. Nuclear generation continued to recover following maintenance, while hydropower fell from record 2024 levels due to lower rainfall. Renewables maintained growth, while fossil-fuel generation declined further. Low-carbon sources, including nuclear and renewables, accounted for more than 95% of total generation.
Higher renewable curtailment reflects system flexibility: generators reducing output help prevent grid imbalances during oversupply. However, more frequent negative-price periods underline the need for enhanced flexibility solutions such as storage, demand response, and improved forecasting to maximize clean energy use while maintaining stability.
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More articles from Gwénaëlle Deboutte
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