The French Ministry of Industry and Energy has awarded the Centre Manche 2 offshore wind tender to a consortium of TotalEnergies and RWE, marking a significant step in France’s renewable energy ambitions. The 1.5GW offshore wind farm, located over 40km off the Normandy coast, is poised to generate around 6TWh of electricity annually, enough to power over one million households. This development could reshape the French energy landscape and set new benchmarks for offshore wind projects in Europe.
The project, with an estimated €4.5bn investment, will be designed, developed, constructed, and operated by the consortium. TotalEnergies will take the helm as the operator, leveraging its expertise in managing offshore wind and marine energy projects. The consortium aims to reach a final investment decision by early 2029, with production slated to commence in 2033. Electricity from the farm will be delivered at a tender-set price of €66/MWh ($77.4/MWh), offering a competitive edge in the renewable energy market.
TotalEnergies chair and CEO Patrick Pouyanné expressed pride in winning the tender, emphasizing the project’s alignment with the company’s transformation into a broader energy entity. “This project will be the largest investment made by TotalEnergies in France in decades and reflects our company’s deep commitment to our country,” Pouyanné stated. He also highlighted the project’s potential to strengthen the local industrial ecosystem and create up to 2,500 jobs during the three-year construction phase.
The Centre Manche 2 project is not just a significant investment but also a testament to the growing collaboration between energy giants. Last year, RWE and TotalEnergies teamed up to develop two offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of 4GW off the German coast. This latest venture in Normandy could set a precedent for future offshore wind projects, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale renewable energy investments and their potential to drive local economic growth.
The project’s success will hinge on its ability to secure regional acceptance and integrate with the local industrial ecosystem. TotalEnergies’ commitment to supporting local skills and industries developed through earlier offshore wind projects will be crucial in this regard. The consortium’s focus on competitive pricing and local economic benefits could also influence policy decisions and public perception, potentially accelerating the adoption of offshore wind energy in France and beyond.
As the energy sector grapples with the challenges of decarbonization and energy security, the Centre Manche 2 project offers a glimpse into the future of renewable energy. Its development could spur innovation, create jobs, and contribute to France’s renewable energy targets. Moreover, the project’s success could inspire similar initiatives across Europe, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.