France consults on 1.5GW windfarm off Normandy

Government aims to accelerate offshore wind deployment as part of push for net zero by 2050

France has launched a public consultation on proposals for a 1.5GW offshore windfarm in the ‘Center Manche’ zone of the English Channel. The windfarm—which is projected to cost €3-4bn ($3.4-4.5bn)—would cover an area of about 260km² and include the construction of an offshore electricity substation and a new coastal connection to the French power grid. The turbines would be located close to an existing 1GW project in the Manche region, which went out to tender last year and is expected to be awarded this year. Six developers have been shortlisted for that project, including Shell, a consortium led by TotalEnergies and German utility RWE, and Swedish power company Vattenfall. 8.75GW – T