Despite its advantageous geography, boasting 3, km 1 of coastline and one of the best wind resources in Europe, France has been lagging behind its European neighbors in terms of installed offshore wind capacity. Indeed, the first offshore wind projects awarded in faced significant delays in their development and commissioning due to numerous challenges, including permit-related issues and tariff renegotiations.
AO1 and should be commissioned in Obstacles encountered have prompted significant actions, resulting in substantial legal and regulatory advancements aimed at reducing delays and speeding up the process of awarding, constructing, and commissioning.
France has set itself the target of achieving an installed offshore wind power capacity both bottom-fixed and floating of 40 GW by 5. It is highly expected that this goal will be incorporated into the multi-year energy plan PPE 3 , which is a crucial roadmap for driving the energy transformation in France. France's determination to bridge the time gaps in project award and commissioning, as well as the implementation of a legislative and regulatory framework that greatly favors offshore wind energy development, makes the French market a highly compelling one with immense potential for investment opportunities.
France has made significant strides in the offshore wind industry, from three rounds of call for tenders in to eight today. By , the offshore wind power capacity should reach 18 GW. In order to meet the national objectives, the offshore wind industry is advocating for a faster award and development of wind farms. This is made possible by the implementation of the APER Law and the law on a green industry, which provide for expedited administrative procedures and a more consistent offshore planning.
The construction phase began in and marine works are set to begin in , for a commissioning expected respectively in and It is currently obtaining the required authorizations and expected to be operational in Commissioning is expected in Commissioning is expected in for the first 3 projects. However, Shell and its partners have withdrawn from the Groix project because of the increased costs.
