Floating offshore wind farms off the Aude coast: the government announces the winner of the call for tenders

It is through a press release this Friday, December 27 that the Minister responsible for industry and energy, Marc Ferracci, announces the winner of the call for tenders for construction and operation of the floating wind farm off the Aude coast.

“Launched in 2022 after a public debate organized by the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP), a competitive bidding procedure was launched for the construction and operation of two floating offshore wind farms by the Government. The minister responsible of Industry and Energy has officially presented the projects selected for these parks of 250 Megawatts each in the Mediterranean Sea which will contribute to the energy transition of our economy: that of the group composed of Océan Winds and Wind at Sea Participation for the wind project in the so-called “Narbonnaise” area and that of the company Eoliennes Méditerranée Grand Large for the “Golfe de Fos” area.

The competitive bidding procedure was launched in March 2022, after a debate organized by the CNDP from July 12 to October 31, 2021. Thirteen candidates were preselected following this public consultation with the populations and local elected officials. This first step led to the development by the government and the publication in April 2024 of published specifications. At the same time, on February 13, 2023, the European Commission validated the aid financed by the French State for this project. Candidates had until August 14, 2024 to submit an offer. Five projects were presented to the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) which delivered its deliberations on November 29.

“I congratulate the two winners and emphasize how the optimal coordination of all parties, in particular Electricity Transmission Network (RTE), the local executives and elected officials, will be one of the guarantees of their success in the service of the “energy independence of France and the reduction of our climate debt” specifies Minister Marc Ferracci.

Who is the selected group?

The group selected for this operation around twenty kilometers off the coast must therefore enable the production of electricity of 250 Megawatts, or the domestic electricity consumption of 450,000 inhabitants. The call for projects was launched in spring 2022 by then Prime Minister Jean Castex, a few weeks before his departure from Matignon. The winner was finally selected more than a year after the initial schedule.

The industrialist in question, Ocean Winds, is a group created in 2020 by the French energy company Engie, and by the Portuguese company EDP Renovaveis, specializing in renewable energies. At the time of its birth, this consortium had the ambition “to become a leader in offshore wind power with the creation of a company which combines the experience and resources of two players which will allow us to strengthen our leading position on the market at a time when the transition is becoming more and more necessary” explained the general manager of Océan Winds.

Commitment to wind turbine recycling

Note that the winners have each committed to recycling wind turbines, including blades and magnets, and to entrust 10% of the study services, manufacturing of components, work and activities relating to operation to SMEs. They will offer at least €10 million for financing or participatory investment and will each mobilize 400,000 hours of professional integration for the benefit of people experiencing social or professional difficulties, including at least 20% of training hours, or 80,000 hours. The two winners, from Gruissan and Fos, also signed the “Charter of commitment to contribute to the regional structuring of a French industrial sector” at the initiative of representatives of territorial economic actors for the marine renewable energy sector.

The future wind farm off the Audois coast is planned to enter service by 2032-2034.