Offshore Wind Power Boasts France’s Renewable Ambition

Government Unveils Plans for 9GW Offshore Capacity

France has announced plans to develop 9 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power across four zones, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy. The ambitious project, known as the "Éoliennes en Mer" (EAZ) program, aims to harness the country’s vast offshore wind resources to meet growing demand for electricity.

Zone Selection

The four zones earmarked for offshore wind farms are:

• Zone 1: Located in the northern part of the French Atlantic coast, near the ports of Cherbourg and Le Havre.
• Zone 2: Situated in the English Channel, near the port of Roscoff.
• Zone 3: Located in the western part of the Bay of Biscay, near the port of La Rochelle.
• Zone 4: Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, near the ports of Marseille and Toulon.

Project Goals and Timeline

The EAZ program aims to:

• Reduce France’s carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
• Increase the use of renewable energy in the French energy mix to 40%.
• Create thousands of jobs in the wind industry.
• Attract private investment worth €10 billion.

The government plans to allocate the 9GW capacity over the next 15 years, with the first projects expected to come online in the early 2020s.

Benefits for the Economy and Environment

The EAZ program is expected to:

• Create a significant economic boost, with an estimated €10 billion in private investment.
• Reduce carbon emissions by 20 million tonnes annually, equivalent to taking 600,000 cars off the road.
• Promote innovation and technology transfer in the wind industry, driving local economic growth.

FAQs

What is the EAZ program?
The EAZ program is the French government’s initiative to develop 9GW of offshore wind power across four zones.
Where are the four zones located?
They are located in the northern part of the French Atlantic coast, the English Channel, the western part of the Bay of Biscay, and the Mediterranean Sea.
When will the first projects come online?
The first projects are expected to come online in the early 2020s, with the goal of allocating the 9GW capacity over the next 15 years.
How much will the EAZ program reduce carbon emissions?
The program aims to reduce carbon emissions by 20 million tonnes annually, equivalent to taking 600,000 cars off the road.