France awards 1.5 GW offshore wind tender to TotalEnergies, with RWE planning to exit.
€4.5 billion investment will power over 1 million households and employ up to 2,500 workers during construction.
Commitments include local job creation, European sourcing, biodiversity protection, and 95%+ recycling of components.
Paris: A Decisive Step in France’s Energy Transition
The French government has selected TotalEnergies, in partnership with RWE, to develop and operate the “Centre Manche 2” offshore wind project, the largest renewable energy undertaking in the country’s history. Located 40 kilometers off the Normandy coast, the 1.5 gigawatt (GW) wind farm is expected to deliver 6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity annually—enough to supply more than one million households at a price of €66 per megawatt hour.
The project marks TotalEnergies’ largest investment in France in three decades, with a total value of €4.5 billion. It also places offshore wind firmly at the center of the nation’s decarbonization agenda.
Timeline and Strategic Role
TotalEnergies will lead development, construction, and operations, with a final investment decision scheduled by 2029 and grid connection planned for 2033. The company will draw on its experience in large-scale offshore projects while deepening ties with local and regional stakeholders to manage integration and community acceptance.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, called the tender win a turning point in the company’s French operations: “This project will be the largest investment made by TotalEnergies in France in decades and reflects our deep commitment to our country. As a long-standing player in Normandy, we are determined to mobilize our expertise to ensure this project is an industrial success while securing its acceptance by the region.”
RWE’s Withdrawal and Future Partnerships
Although initially part of the winning consortium, RWE has indicated it intends to exit the project, subject to regulatory approval. TotalEnergies confirmed it will assume all existing commitments and seek a new partner to join the venture. For investors, the decision highlights both the scale of long-term capital required for offshore wind and the shifting risk appetite among European utilities.
Jobs, Training, and Regional Impact
The project is projected to employ up to 2,500 people over three years of construction. TotalEnergies has committed 500,000 hours of work for apprentices and individuals in professional reintegration programs. A dedicated team based in Normandy will oversee consultations with stakeholders, particularly fishing communities, to address coexistence issues.
Beyond employment, the company has pledged to source turbines, cables, and other major components primarily from European suppliers, bolstering regional industrial ecosystems.
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Financial and Social Participation
TotalEnergies will open crowdfunding opportunities for local residents and municipalities, allowing communities to invest directly in the project. In addition, a €10 million territorial fund will be established to support training, education, and cultural initiatives in Normandy.
On environmental measures, €45 million will be allocated to avoidance, reduction, and offset programs, alongside a €15 million biodiversity fund specific to the region.
Recycling and Circularity Standards
The company has committed to set new benchmarks for offshore wind component recycling. It plans for at least 95% of blades, towers, and nacelles to be reused, recycled, or repurposed, with 100% of generator magnets recovered. This aligns with EU ambitions to advance circular economy practices across renewable infrastructure.
TotalEnergies’ Broader French Footprint
TotalEnergies has been a fixture in France’s economy for over a century. Since 2020, it has invested €8 billion in the country, half of which has gone to transition-related initiatives. With a renewable portfolio of 660 projects spanning wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage, the company already supplies electricity to the equivalent of 1.8 million people and ranks among France’s top three renewable providers.
The new offshore wind project reinforces France’s ability to scale domestic clean energy at competitive costs while strengthening European supply chains. For global investors and policymakers, it illustrates both the capital intensity and the social license requirements that will define the next phase of Europe’s energy transition.
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