RTE-RENFORCEMENT RESEAUX TRANSMISSION

The project consists of a 4-year investment programme (2008-2011), comprises 31 schemes for reinforcing and extending the promoter’s transmission electricity network throughout France.

The main purpose of the project is to cater for demand growth while improving efficiency and reliability of supply and to provide for connection of traditional and renewable generation resources.

Some schemes of the project involving long 400 kV and 225 kV overhead lines will fall under Annex I of the EIA Directive (85/337/EC and amendments), while the remainder will fall under ANNEX II, leaving it to the national competent authority to decide whether an EIA would be required in line with the screening criteria specified in the directive. The impacts that can be typically expected for such project schemes relate to visual impact, vegetation clearance, electromagnetic fields, noise nuisance, and disturbance during construction. The specific requirements of the French environmental legislation and the promoter’s application thereof will be investigated during appraisal. This includes addressing potential negative impacts on sites of nature conservation.

EIB will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation, including publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the EU as and where appropriate.