Hydroelectricity Study 2026 Grant

Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME)

About this grant

ADEME funds feasibility-type studies for hydroelectric installations, covering potential, feasibility and pre-project (avant-projet) studies. The aid is aimed mainly at projects that rehabilitate, recommission or optimise existing structures, equip existing weirs or hydraulic drops, or turbine water already captured by gravity networks such as drinking water, wastewater or snow-making networks. New-build hydro on unequipped weirs is also covered within these cases. The programme targets projects that rely on existing infrastructure, reflecting ADEME's pragmatic approach and national and regional intervention priorities. Creation of new hydroelectric installations falls under the Environmental Code's regulatory procedures, and eligibility for those is assessed case by case against ADEME's objectives, project maturity and priorities. Three study types may be funded: a potential study assessing administrative, energy, environmental and economic potential of sites on a defined river or territory; a feasibility study demonstrating administrative, technical, environmental and economic viability of a plant; and a pre-project study specifying technical and economic conditions, including soil, civil engineering and topographic surveys. Regulatory studies are not eligible. Consultation with all river users (fishing, recreation, navigation and others) is mandatory from the feasibility phase, with at least two meetings at project start and at study delivery. Regional specificities apply: in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes all three study types are eligible; in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Nouvelle-Aquitaine only potential and feasibility studies are eligible. Applicants are advised to contact their regional ADEME office before applying, and applications are submitted through the Agir platform.

Eligibility

Open to local authorities and similar bodies (collectivités et assimilés), associations, and companies including operating companies. Eligibility is listed for the regions Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Projects must concern existing structures or gravity-fed captured water networks and meet one of the listed cases. Regulatory studies are excluded, and a prior contact with the regional ADEME office is advised. The call runs from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026 and is described as ongoing.

Key requirements

• ✓Project must be a hydroelectric installation on an existing weir or dam, reactivation of a disused plant, optimisation of an operating site, or turbining of already-captured water
• ✓Eligible studies are potential, feasibility, or pre-project (avant-projet) studies, co-funded at up to 70% of study cost capped at €100,000
• ✓Applicant must be a project owner (maître d'ouvrage) with a hydropower project in France; deadline 31 December 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME) offer?

Hydroelectricity Study offers Jusqu'à 70% du coût de l'étude, dans un maximum de 100 000 €.

When is the Hydroelectricity Study deadline?

Applications close 31 Dec 2026.

Who can apply for Hydroelectricity Study?

Eligibility covers organisations in FR; startup, sme, large-company, social-enterprise, local-authority, consultancy, engineering-contractor. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.