Studies for a Hydroelectric Installation
ADEME funds potential, feasibility and, in some regions, preliminary design studies to rehabilitate or optimise existing hydroelectric structures or to turbine already-abstracted water; 2026 coverage is limited to four regions.
ADEME favours hydroelectric studies that reuse existing structures: bringing an old installation back into service, equipping an existing weir, optimising a site or running already-abstracted water through a turbine. The project must combine energy analysis with consideration of ecological issues and other uses of the watercourse.
Funded by ADEME
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Who can apply
Local authorities and similar bodies, associations and companies, including operating companies. The 2026 page covers Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Eligibility conditions
Priority projects use an existing structure, weir or drop, bring a site back into service or optimise it, or turbine drinking water, wastewater or a gravity network. The feasibility study must include dialogue with other users of the watercourse and at least two meetings, at the start and at the presentation of results.
What the scheme covers
Territorial potential studies, feasibility studies for a hydroelectric plant and preliminary design studies depending on the region. Regulatory work is not eligible; the study must quantify the energy potential and the administrative, technical, environmental and economic constraints.
Amount and funding terms
The rate and eligible costs are set by the document “Études Hydro – Conditions d’éligibilité et de financement – 2026”. Regulatory studies are not funded. Preliminary design studies are eligible in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, but not in Nouvelle-Aquitaine or Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
How to apply
First check the region and the type of eligible study in ADEME’s 2026 document. Prepare a description of the structure, known rights and permits and exchanges with other users, then select a consultancy according to the specifications. Contact the regional office before applying on AGIR.
Timeline
Running from 1 January to 31 December 2026, in four regions. Priority is given to existing structures and to networks of already-abstracted water; building a brand-new structure is not the priority target.
Key facts
- Funder
- ADEME
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Open
- Closes
- 30 December 2026
- Geographic scope
- 4 régions
Frequently asked questions
Which projects have priority?
Bringing existing structures back into service or optimising them, equipping existing weirs and turbining already-abstracted water.
Which regions are covered?
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Are regulatory studies funded?
No, they are explicitly excluded from ADEME grants.
Can a preliminary design study be funded in all regions?
No. It is eligible in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, but not in Nouvelle-Aquitaine or Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Official source
Official ADEME page ↗(ademe_scraper)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
Other grants of type “grant”
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