Due to the commercial viability of some renewable energy, its development has become part of a wider policy on the diversification of supply options for energy. EDF is responsible for granting licenses within specific EDF standards and requirements. These standards presently exist for hydropower and thermal power plants, but not for wind and photo-voltaic installations. The purchase tariffs are proposed by EDF and agreed by the Ministry of Industry. Recently, more advantageous tariffs for renewable energy have been negotiated.
Electricity generated from small hydropower plants is fed into the national electricity grid.
There are a number of independently owned small hydropower operators. These generators have the option of supplying to the grid and EDF is obliged to buy electricity at rates that are dependent on national electricity prices. It supplies 90 percent of Brittany's electricity at a cost lower than the nuclear power plant. There are other tidal resources in France. However, predominantly due to concern over the environmental impact of tidal dam, no further sites have been considered or developed despite their considerable potential.