The energy sector is changing rapidly. The achievement of global objectives to reduce CO2 emissions requires a massive development of electricity production from renewable energies. The often-intermittent nature of these renewable energies means that the electricity system must be made more flexible, to always ensure the right balance between supply and demand. At the same time, the development of new uses such as electric vehicles or self-consumption requires more intelligent and flexible networks.
It is essential that the regulatory framework evolves to support these changes in the energy sector. The law of November 8th, 2019, on energy and climate, known as the "Energy-Climate Law", introduced a “regulatory sandbox” in the energy sector. This regulatory sandbox allows the CRE to grant exemptions to the conditions of access to and use of networks and facilities for the experimental deployment of innovative technologies or services in favour of the energy transition and smart grids and infrastructures. This new system provides a legal framework adapted to projects that allow testing of innovations that would ultimately require changes to the applicable regulatory and legislative framework.
The CRE has drafted a guide to apply for the regulatory sandbox: download the regulatory sandbox guide (in french) : guide du dispositif d’expérimentation
In 2020, CRE published a decision on the implementation of the regulatory sandbox. This deliberation describes the application procedure and the follow-up of the experimental projects for which CRE has given its approval.
Consult the deliberation of June 2020 concerning the implementation of the regulatory sandbox (in french) : délibération portant décision sur la mise en œuvre du dispositif d’expérimentation
This deliberation has been modified in 2022 to announce that demands will be instructed as they come.
The CRE has drafted a guide to apply for the regulatory sandbox: download the regulatory sandbox guide (in french) : guide du dispositif d’expérimentation
Since november 2022, demands are instructed as they come. Projects leaders can drop off their application file on a dedicated platform : https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/dispositif-d-experimentation-reglementaire.
CRE provides answers to frequently asked questions.
Download the answers to frequently asked questions (in French) : Réponses aux questions les plus fréquentes
CRE is responsible for monitoring the projets. Information on the derogations ongoing or pending can be found on the website dedicated to Smart Grids.
For any further information, you can contact the CRE at the following address: bacasable@cre.fr