2 2 3 Regulatory environment (France) 2 2 3 1 Hydropower concessions Article 7 of the French Law 2006- 1772 of December 30, 2006 on water and aquatic environments removed the outgoing operator' s preferential right instituted by the law of October 16, 1919 on the use of hydropower. Article 33 of the French Law 2006- 1771 of December 30, 2006.