The Astenn Avel consortium has just upped the ante in France’s floating wind arena, and the energy sector is abuzz with the implications. The consortium, initially a partnership between Elicio and Q ENERGY, has welcomed French renewables group Valorem, setting the stage for a formidable bid in the upcoming AO9 tender off the coast of southern Brittany. This move is not just about adding another player to the mix; it’s about fortifying the consortium’s hand with a powerhouse that brings a wealth of experience in regional coordination, technical design, and socio-economic development.
Valorem’s Olivier Angoulevant didn’t mince words when he expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to join Elicio and Q ENERGY within Astenn Avel. This project is a major opportunity for French industry.” And it’s not just about pride; it’s about practicality. With Valorem on board, the consortium is better equipped to navigate the complexities of regional development and technical execution, potentially setting a new benchmark for floating wind projects.
Elicio’s Emmanuel Van Vyve underscored the strategic nature of the partnership, emphasizing that the consortium is built on complementarity and local commitment. “With Q ENERGY and Valorem, we share the desire to carry out a coordinated, robust and locally rooted project,” he said. This isn’t just corporate speak; it’s a clear signal that the consortium is serious about integrating local stakeholders and maximizing economic benefits for the region.
Q ENERGY’s Ken Ilacqua echoed this sentiment, highlighting the environmental and energy independence aspects of the project. “With the support of this major player in renewable energy in France, we want to develop a project that respects environmental issues and will be an asset for the energy independence of Brittany and France,” he stated. This isn’t just about building wind farms; it’s about building a sustainable future.
The AO9 tender is part of France’s ambitious push to accelerate floating wind development and establish regional supply chains. The Astenn Avel consortium’s strengthened bid could shape the trajectory of this push, setting new standards for stakeholder engagement, environmental stewardship, and local economic development. The consortium has pledged to engage transparently with local stakeholders, prioritise coexistence with sea users, and maximise local economic benefits through employment, training, and industrial activity. This isn’t just about winning a tender; it’s about winning the future.
The consortium’s members bring a formidable track record to the table. Elicio, with over 2.3GW of offshore wind capacity, including 1.2GW in operation, has already proven its mettle in the sector. Q ENERGY, with over 25 years of experience in French renewables, has co-developed one of the country’s first offshore wind farms. Valorem, a community-focused developer, has over a decade of offshore wind experience and pioneered onshore wind in France. Together, they form a powerhouse consortium that could redefine the floating wind landscape in France and beyond.
The implications of this development are far-reaching. If successful, the Astenn Avel consortium’s bid could accelerate France’s floating wind ambitions, setting a new standard for stakeholder engagement, environmental responsibility, and local economic development. It could also spur competition in the sector, driving innovation and efficiency. Moreover, it could inspire other countries to follow suit, accelerating the global transition to renewable energy. The energy sector is watching, and the stakes are high. This is more than just a tender bid; it’s a battle for the future of energy.