Market information Floating Wind in France
France has set the goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050. The Programmation Pluriannuelle de l’énergie (PPE) published in April 2020 sets out the country’s energy transition objectives until 2028. The text provides that the capacity of offshore wind power has to increase to reach 12.4GW In France including 800 MW (?) in Occitanie. In 2020, there are already 7 awarded bottom-fixed offshore wind projects under development and 4 floating wind pilot projects in France. To achieve the ambitious objectives set by the PPE, a call of tenders needs to be launched every year at a rate of around 1 GW until 2028.
Floating Wind in the Mediterranean Sea
On July 29, 2020 the French National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) confirmed that it would organize a public debate for two 250MW floating wind farms and transmission systems in the Mediterranean Sea. The CNDP is now preparing to launch the public consultation phase for the siting of future floating offshore wind farms. The debate will also include later extensions of 500MW for each project. The Occitanie Region aims for 800MW of floating wind to be installed by 2030 and is currently investing in dedicated port infrastructures in Port-La Nouvelle to welcome the construction of floating offshore wind turbines by 2021.
The wind farms are part of a new procedure (Société de confiance), whereby public participation takes place prior to and during process of deciding projects’ location and before the competitive bidding procedure. The aim is to reduce the risk of lengthy appeals and delays that the first generation of French offshore wind farms have experienced.
The eco-system in Occitanie
150 local companies have the potential to develop skills for the off-shore wind market. Basically, 40 companies have already a business activity. Thus, Wind’Occ aims to bring together players in the offshore wind sector and promote their skills.
It is supported by the Occitanie Region, AD’OCC agency and both:
- Pôle MerMéditerranée, innovation sea cluster, that develops the maritime and coastal economy in the Mediterranean Sea and throughout the world by developing innovative projects and supporting the development of companies;
- Cemater, business cluster dedicated to renewable energies and sustainable construction sectors in the Occitanie region.
