France’s ambitious offshore wind strategy is taking shape, and it’s not just a drop in the ocean. The government has unveiled plans to tender a staggering 9,200 megawatts (MW) of fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind capacity, with the AO10 process set to kick off in early 2025. This initiative is poised to mark a significant leap forward in France’s renewable energy landscape, aiming for 4GW of fixed-bottom capacity along the North Sea coast and 5.2GW of floating installations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
During a visit to the 500MW Fecamp wind farm off Normandy, Energy Minister Olga Givernet laid out this vision, emphasizing the need to reconcile various maritime activities, including fishing and aquaculture, while prioritizing offshore wind development. The recent public consultation, dubbed “The Sea in Debate,” mobilized over 21,000 participants across 375 events, showcasing a robust engagement from citizens and stakeholders alike. This level of participation is not just a show of hands; it reflects a growing awareness and desire for sustainable development in marine environments.
The outcomes of this debate will directly influence the creation of strong biodiversity protection zones at sea, a crucial aspect of the government’s maritime planning. By mapping priority areas for offshore wind development, France is setting itself up for a decade of significant growth in this sector. The objective is clear: to allocate between 8GW to 10GW of offshore wind capacity by the fall of 2026, with studies commencing this autumn to ensure that the identified areas are viable.
Minister for Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate, and Risk Prevention, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, has underscored the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources to meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050. The government’s target of achieving 45GW of offshore wind by 2050 is ambitious, but with a well-structured plan and community support, it’s within reach. This public debate has not only highlighted the importance of preserving marine ecosystems but also identified potential sites for around 15GW of offshore wind capacity over the next decade.
Jules Nyssen, the President of the Renewable Energies Syndicate (SER), likened this initiative to the historic Messmer plan that rapidly expanded nuclear power in France. He called for a similar level of ambition for offshore wind, emphasizing that a multi-site call for tenders will galvanize the entire value chain. This sentiment is echoed by Pierre Peysson, President of the SER Offshore Wind Commission, who noted that the deployment of 45GW across just 2% of France’s maritime territory could produce nearly a third of the nation’s electricity needs, creating over 20,000 jobs by 2035.
This is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it’s a strategic maneuver that positions France as a leader in the offshore wind sector. The planning framework laid out by the government is akin to setting sail with a clear map and a reliable compass. The commitment to maintaining a rigorous schedule for future tenders is essential to harness the full potential of this sector. As the winds of change begin to blow, the collaborative efforts of the government, industry stakeholders, and the public will be crucial in navigating the course ahead. With these developments, France is not just catching the wave of renewable energy; it’s poised to ride it into a sustainable future.
