Sian Crampsie
The French government has proposed more ambitious targets for offshore wind energy in the latest draft of its 'Programmations pluriannuelles de l’énergie' (PPE) energy strategy document.
The PPE sets out France’s energy strategy for 2019-2028 and indicates that the country’s offshore wind energy target could increase to 5.2-6.2 GW by 2028, up from 4.7-5.2 GW. It sets out a tender programme for an additional 1 GW fixed project to be tendered in 2021-2022 and 2023 and a second 250 MW floating project in the Mediterranean in 2022.
Annual tendering capacity from 2024-2028 for fixed and floating has also been increased from 500 MW to 1 GW.
The government is holding a consultation on the proposals which will close in mid-February. The higher offshore wind targets are thought to have been prompted by falling technology costs in the sector.
France plans to cover 33 per cent of its gross energy consumption with renewable energy by 2030.
