The European Commission has given the green light to a €1.1 billion French State aid scheme designed to expand clean technology manufacturing across France, marking
another concrete step toward Europe’s net-zero ambitions.
Approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), the scheme aims to support strategic investments that increase Europe’s capacity to produce key net-zero technologies. It aligns directly with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal, which seeks to strengthen Europe’s industrial base while accelerating decarbonisation.
This is the eighth cleantech manufacturing scheme approved since the CISAF entered into force in June 2025, bringing the total amount of endorsed public support for such investments to more than €10 billion.
France’s €1.1bn cleantech push
France notified the Commission of the €1.1 billion programme under the CISAF rules, targeting investments that add new manufacturing capacity for clean technologies. Eligible projects include production linked to solar energy, onshore and offshore wind, heat pumps and battery technologies — all identified as net-zero technologies under the framework.
The scheme also covers costs related to essential components and critical raw materials needed to manufacture these technologies, helping to secure supply chains within the EU.
Support will be delivered in the form of a tax credit, available across the entire French territory. Companies can apply for aid until 31 December 2028.
Commission assessment and approval
After reviewing the measure, the Commission concluded that the French scheme meets all the conditions set out in the CISAF. In particular, it found the aid to be necessary, appropriate and proportionate to speed up the transition to a net-zero economy and to support economic activities central to the Clean Industrial Deal.
The decision is consistent with Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows State aid that facilitates the development of certain economic activities, provided competition is not unduly distorted.
On this basis, the Commission formally approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
What is the CISAF?
The Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework was adopted on 25 June 2025 to give Member States more flexibility to support sectors critical to the green transition. Aid under the framework can be granted until 31 December 2030.
It allows support for:
- Faster deployment of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels
- Temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive industries
- Decarbonisation of industrial processes through electrification, efficiency and clean hydrogen
- Expansion of clean technology manufacturing capacity, including key components and critical raw materials
- De-risking private investments in clean energy, industrial decarbonisation and the circular economy
With France’s latest scheme approved, the EU continues to translate its climate ambitions into concrete industrial investment — keeping clean technology manufacturing firmly anchored in Europe. Photo by U.S. Department of State from United States, Wikimedia commons.