France sets 1.5-GW Normandy offshore wind at €66/MWh

France has completed the sale of one of the most important offshore wind projects that will set the wind tariff at €66/MWh. France is among the most advanced nations in the world in the energy sector and has, for the past decade, been implementing measures to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a more environmentally friendly form of energy generation. The offshore wind project in Normandy, known as the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender, has been sold to a consortium of companies.

France approves the sale of the offshore wind project in a very famous city

Normandy is known around the world as the last stand for the world against the worst form of tyranny we have ever seen; however, since then, the region around Normandy has become a hotbed for the energy sector.

A massive offshore wind project in the region has been sold to a consortium of companies, including one of the largest energy companies in the world, TotalEnergies. Additionally, RWE will also form a part of the deal to acquire the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender, although the company has stated its plans to exit the consortium, but we digress.

The 1.5 GW offshore wind park off the coast of Normandy will see the consortium taking full advantage of TotalEnergies’ expertise in the field and will design, develop, construct, and operate the wind farm. Additionally, TotalEnergies made a statement on its website that outlines its plans to engage with the local community.

“In the coming months, a dedicated TotalEnergies team, based in Normandy, will continue the consultation work with local and regional stakeholders that began during the tender phase. It will ensure the proper integration of the project into the Normandy region, especially its coexistence with commercial fishing. TotalEnergies will also implement crowdfunding financing that will allow local residents and authorities in the Normandy region to invest in the project and directly contribute to the energy transition of their territory. Additionally, TotalEnergies will fund a €10 million territorial fund to support initiatives in training, education, and culture in Normandy.” – TotalEnergies press release

TotalEnergies aims to make a final investment decision (FID) in early 2029

Once that happens, the company has stated that it estimates the total investment at €4.5 billion, with a state-set tariff of €66/MWh. The country’s second National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), which was published in 2024, noted a target of 41.3% renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2030.

By that time, the offshore wind capacity is projected to reach 3.6 GW. The evidence would suggest, despite the current state of affairs in the United States, that wind power usage will continue to grow.

Following the sale, the heads of TotalEnergies released a statement that outlines their plans for the site.

“We are very proud to have won this tender for the construction of the largest renewable energy park in France to date. It embodies Total’s transformation into TotalEnergies in France. This project will be the largest investment made by TotalEnergies in France in decades and reflects our Company’s deep commitment to our country. As a long-standing player in Normandy, we are determined to mobilize our expertise to ensure this project is an industrial success while securing its acceptance by the region. We will work to support the local industrial ecosystem, which has already developed skills through the first offshore wind projects currently being installed. Finally, this project strengthens our development in green electricity production to offer competitive prices to our French customers”, – Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

France could become a global leader in the offshore wind sector if plans move forward

France has some big plans for the wind power sector. Looking to the future, France aims to develop 50 offshore wind parks with a combined capacity of 40 GW by 2050. If that happens, we can expect the French nation to become a global leader in the wind sector. The multi-billion Euro investment would make the offshore wind project in Normandy among the largest in the world. Despite the stance of the current US president, the wind sector has seen some steady progress in the United States.