France is preparing to launch one of its largest renewable energy auctions, with plans to award 10 offshore wind projects and announce winners by late this year or early 2027. The initiative forms part of the country’s broader decarbonisation strategy, as it accelerates efforts to expand clean energy capacity while balancing industrial priorities.
Under the planned France offshore wind tender, authorities will allocate a total of 10 gigawatts of capacity, split evenly between turbines fixed to the seabed and floating wind installations. The projects will be distributed across seven designated zones spanning the English Channel, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In a move aimed at strengthening regional supply chains, the tender will include provisions requiring developers to rely on domestic and European manufacturing, reducing dependence on Chinese components.
The timing of the auction reflects mounting pressure within the sector. Developers have been contending with higher equipment costs, tighter financing conditions, and ongoing construction challenges. Industry sentiment has also been affected by project cancellations in the US linked to decisions by Donald Trump. Against this backdrop, the French government is attempting to provide stability while maintaining its long-term climate commitments, including achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century.
Despite parallel investments in nuclear energy, the government’s renewable push has faced criticism from opposition groups such as Marine Le Pen’s National Rally ahead of the upcoming presidential election. France has also scaled back earlier expansion targets for solar and onshore wind, increasing the strategic importance of offshore deployment.
Energy minister delegate Maud Bregeon stated the tender would help “consolidate our industry for bottom-fixed wind, and to become the leader of the floating wind industry.” She added that up to four of nine strategic turbine components and as much as 50% of permanent magnets may still be sourced from China. Developers selected under the France offshore wind tender are expected to receive a guaranteed power price of below €100 ($115) per megawatt hour.
Recent project dynamics highlight both opportunity and risk. The government awarded a 1.5-gigawatt offshore project to TotalEnergies SE last year after limited bidding interest. Meanwhile, Electricite de France SA has encountered construction delays and sought to renegotiate support for projects off Normandy. Currently, France operates nearly 2 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, with 5.6 gigawatts under construction or development. The country aims to reach 15 gigawatts by 2035 and 45 gigawatts by 2050, meeting roughly 20% of national electricity demand.