Royal takes over at a crucial time for renewablesin the country, said the French Wind Energy Association(FEE).

“A law is underway whichshould become effective in the autumn, which will define France energy policyfor the years to come. We do hope the place of wind industry in the Frenchenergy mix will be strengthened,” the body said.

Pressure group Greenpeace told Recharge it was encouraged by the “clear and ambitiousposition about environment and energy” adopted by Royal, who is the former partnerof President Francois Hollande and herself a presidential candidatein 2007 .

Royal