New data from Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), the French transmission system operator, shows that renewable energy curtailed during periods of negative prices almost doubled compared to 2024, to almost 3 TWh. The increase reflects increasing integration challenges as solar and wind capacity increases.
Rising renewable energy production and more hours of zero or negative wholesale prices forced operators to modulate production more often. Non-dispatchable generation – mainly solar and wind – was responsible for most of the curtailment.
Much of the change comes from a sharp increase in solar curtailment. An increasing share of France’s renewable fleet now operates under “complément de rémunération” (incentive schemes), which incentivize producers to adjust production in response to market signals. By the end of the year, modulated wind and solar capacity had increased, supported by regulatory reforms and new grid connection rules.
RTE reported total electricity production of around 547.5 TWh in 2025, slightly higher than in 2024. Nuclear power production continued to recover after maintenance, while hydropower fell from 2024’s record levels due to lower rainfall. Renewable energy sources maintained growth, while fossil fuel generation continued to decline. Low-carbon sources, including nuclear and renewables, accounted for more than 95% of total generation.
Higher curtailment of renewable energy reflects the flexibility of the system: producers who reduce production help prevent grid imbalances during oversupply. However, the more frequent periods of negative prices underscore the need for improved flexibility solutions such as storage, demand response and improved forecasting to maximize clean energy use while maintaining stability.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
Popular content
