The French Ministry of Industry and Energy has selected the consortium formed by TotalEnergies and RWE as the winner of the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender. The consortium will be responsible for designing, developing, constructing, and operating a 1.5-gigawatt (GW) offshore wind farm off the coast of Normandy.

This project will be the largest renewable energy development ever in France. Located more than 40 kilometers from the Normandy coast, the wind farm is expected to generate about 6 TWh of electricity per year, supplying green energy to more than 1 million households. Electricity will be sold at a competitive price of €66/MWh, as defined by the tender.

TotalEnergies will serve as the operator, leveraging its experience in offshore wind and large-scale marine energy projects. The company will continue studies required to reach a final investment decision by early 2029. Electricity production is expected to start in 2033, according to RTE’s grid connection schedule.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said: “We are very proud to have won this tender for the construction of the largest renewable energy park in France to date. This project represents the largest investment by TotalEnergies in the country in decades and reflects our deep commitment to France. We will work to ensure the industrial success of the project and its acceptance by the region, while supporting the local industrial ecosystem that has already gained experience through previous offshore wind projects.”

As part of a strategic review, RWE has expressed its intention to exit the consortium, subject to approval by French authorities. TotalEnergies will continue the project, taking on all consortium commitments and proposing a new partner.

A €4.5 Billion Investment for Normandy and Europe

The Centre Manche 2 project represents a €4.5 billion investment and is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Normandy. Up to 2,500 people will be employed during the three years of construction. TotalEnergies has committed 500,000 hours to apprentices and individuals in professional reintegration programs and plans to engage the local industrial ecosystem.

The project will also benefit European industry, with TotalEnergies sourcing primarily from European suppliers, including wind turbines and electrical cables.

Integration and Community Participation

A dedicated TotalEnergies team in Normandy will continue consultations with local and regional stakeholders to ensure proper integration of the project, including coexistence with commercial fishing. The company will also implement crowdfunding initiatives allowing residents and local authorities to invest directly and contribute to the region’s energy transition. Additionally, TotalEnergies will fund a €10 million territorial fund for training, education, and cultural initiatives in Normandy.

TotalEnergies will allocate €45 million to measures to avoid, reduce, and offset project impacts and €15 million to a biodiversity promotion fund. The company has committed to achieving recycling, reuse, or repurposing rates of at least 95% for blades, towers, and nacelles, with 100% of generator magnets recycled or reused.