TotalEnergies Selected as Operator of France’s Largest Renewable Energy Project
By Naija Enquirer Staff
TotalEnergies, in partnership with RWE, has been selected by the French Ministry in charge of Industry and Energy as the winner of the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender. The consortium will design, develop, build, and operate a 1.5 GW offshore wind farm off the coast of Normandy, Naija Enquirer reports.
Largest Renewable Project in France
Located more than 40 km off the coast of Normandy, the wind farm will become France’s largest renewable energy project to date. Once operational, it will generate approximately 6 TWh per year, supplying green electricity to over 1 million French households at a competitive price of €66/MWh.
€4.5 Billion Investment
The project represents an investment of about €4.5 billion, the largest by TotalEnergies in France in the past 30 years. Up to 2,500 jobs will be created during the three-year construction phase, including 500,000 hours of work dedicated to apprentices and individuals in professional reintegration.
Commitment to Local and European Industry
TotalEnergies will implement a European preference policy for sourcing major equipment such as wind turbines and electricity cables. The company also plans to work closely with the Normandy region’s industrial ecosystem, which has already developed expertise in offshore wind technology.
CEO’s Statement
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said: “We are very proud to have won this tender for the largest renewable energy park in France. This project reflects our Company’s transformation and our deep commitment to the French energy transition. It will not only drive industrial success but also strengthen our role in providing competitive green electricity for French customers.”
Next Steps and Timeline
TotalEnergies will now conduct the necessary studies, with a final investment decision expected by 2029. Electricity production is scheduled to begin in 2033, in line with RTE’s grid connection schedule. Although RWE has expressed its wish to exit the consortium, TotalEnergies has committed to continuing the project, assuming all obligations, and plans to bring in a new partner.
Integration and Community Involvement
A dedicated TotalEnergies team in Normandy will oversee stakeholder consultations to ensure the project integrates smoothly with the region, including coexistence with commercial fishing. The company will also introduce a crowdfunding mechanism, allowing local residents and authorities to invest directly in the project, while contributing to France’s energy transition.
Environmental and Social Impact
TotalEnergies has pledged €45 million for measures to avoid, reduce, and offset environmental impacts, and €15 million for a biodiversity promotion fund in Normandy. The company will also establish a €10 million territorial fund to support training, education, and cultural initiatives. Recycling commitments include ensuring at least 95% reuse of blades, towers, and nacelles, and 100% recycling of generator magnets.
TotalEnergies in France
With over a century of presence in France, TotalEnergies remains a major economic and energy player. Since 2020, it has invested more than €8 billion in the country, nearly half dedicated to energy transition projects. With a portfolio of 660 renewable plants across wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage, the company supplies electricity needs equivalent to 1.8 million people and serves 4.2 million customers across France.
