France will soon initiate tenders for the construction of two fixed and three floating offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 9.2 GW, according to an announcement by the energy ministry on Friday. The upcoming projects will be located off the coasts of Fecamp, Brittany, the Gascogne Gulf, and the Mediterranean, marking a significant step toward the country’s renewable energy goals.
Energy Minister Olga Givernet emphasized that these projects are essential to meeting France's target of 45 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. Speaking during a visit to Fecamp, Givernet highlighted the importance of maintaining domestic production for the wind energy sector.
The tenders come at a critical time as the industry faces challenges, with earlier reports suggesting that General Electric was considering reducing its workforce at its wind turbine factory in Saint-Nazaire. The company could not immediately be reached for comment.
These new wind farms are expected to play a crucial role in expanding France's renewable energy infrastructure and solidifying its position in the European offshore wind market. The tenders will support the development of both fixed and floating wind technologies, helping France to diversify its clean energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
