RTE's DTR (documentation technique de référence) is the set of rules RTE publishes for access to the French transmission network: technical conditions, requirements for connected installations, and procedures, including the one governing connection requests. For a large data center, it sets how, when and on what terms it will be connected.
A PROCEDURE REVISED SEVERAL TIMES IN A YEAR
The CRE deliberation of 23 July 2025 notably allowed stepped ramp-up of connection capacity and applied queue maintenance and suspension rules, from 29 June 2026, to applicants who had already accepted a PTF. A new version was approved on 4 February 2026, without changing queue entry: order still depends on the date PTFs are accepted. A separate procedure for distribution networks connecting to transmission was approved on 28 July 2026, and RTE is preparing a move to "first ready, first served", expected from 2027. The applicable version therefore has to be checked file by file.
KEY STEPS FOR A DATA CENTER
Optional exploratory study (about six weeks, non-binding), connection request and PTF, PTF acceptance with land control, first instalment and proof of progress (or €1,000 per MW) to enter the queue, annual review, connection agreement (permits and capacity justified three months before it is sent), works, commissioning and the CART access contract. See our grid connection glossary.
WHAT THE DTR DOES NOT TELL YOU
The DTR sets the rules, not the capacity available. In May 2026, RTE reported about 18 GW reserved for some 80 data center projects, mostly around Paris and in Hauts-de-France. Two nearby plots can face very different prospects depending on their substation. See which grid document actually secures a site and our electrical and standards audit.
Sources: RTE technical reference documentation (procedure for connection requests to the transmission network), CRE deliberations 2025-193 of 23 July 2025, 2026-32 of 4 February 2026 and 2026-173 of 28 July 2026, Orrick analysis published by DatacenterDynamics (August 2026). General information, not a substitute for the documents applicable to your file.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is RTE's DTR?
RTE's technical reference documentation: the rules RTE publishes for access to the French transmission network, including connection procedures approved by the regulator CRE.
Which version of the procedure applies to my project?
It depends on the dates of the request, the PTF and its acceptance, with transitional rules. The procedure was revised in July 2025 and February 2026, so it must be checked file by file.