TotalEnergies, a leading French energy company, has announced that its consortium with German power producer RWE has been awarded the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender by the French government. This marks the largest renewable energy initiative in France to date, with TotalEnergies tasked with designing, developing, building, and operating the project.
Following the announcement, RWE revealed its decision to leave the consortium. TotalEnergies confirmed it will continue with the project independently, honouring all consortium commitments, and plans to introduce a new partner.
The 1.5 GW offshore wind farm, situated over 40 km off Normandy’s coast, is projected to provide renewable electricity to more than 1 million French households. It will generate approximately 6 TWh annually, with electricity sold at €66/MWh, as determined by the tender.
TotalEnergies has stated that the project will entail a €4.5 billion investment, creating up to 2,500 jobs during its three-year construction phase. The company anticipates making a final investment decision by early 2029, with the wind farm expected to commence electricity production in 2033.
As part of its investment, TotalEnergies will dedicate €45 million to measures aimed at mitigating the project’s environmental impact, alongside €15 million allocated to a biodiversity fund in Normandy. Furthermore, the company has pledged to achieve a minimum recycling, reuse, or repurposing rate of 95% for blades, towers, and nacelles, with 100% recycling or reuse of generator magnets.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, expressed pride in securing the tender, stating: “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.”
