The European Commission has given its approval to a French plan worth €4.12 billion to support the development of renewable offshore wind energy and enhance efforts toward a green economy in line with the European Union’s Green Industrial Plan.
This is done under the framework of temporary government aid for crises and transitions, which the Commission adopted on March 9, 2023, to support measures in sectors considered essential for accelerating the green transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
According to a recent press release by the Commission, France has notified it, under the temporary and transitional crisis framework, of a plan worth €4.12 billion to support the construction and operation of two floating offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Lion region.
This support will extend over 20 years.
The statement further notes that these two floating offshore wind farms, backed by this initiative, will be among the first commercial projects of their kind in France.
Each farm is expected to have a capacity ranging from 230 to 280 megawatts, generating 1.1 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually.
This measure will be open to two beneficiaries, to be determined in 2024, and they will be selected through a transparent and non-discriminatory competitive process.
Consequently, the assistance will take the form of a variable monthly payment under a bilateral contract calculated by comparing the reference price specified in the beneficiary’s bid with the market price for electricity.
This move marks a significant step toward France’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and transitioning towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
