France has secured European Commission approval for an unprecedented €11bn scheme to develop floating offshore wind farms.
Backed by the EU’s new Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), the initiative aims to fast-track the deployment of floating wind technology, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and power hundreds of thousands of homes with sustainable electricity.
This long-term investment marks a pivotal moment not only for France but for the entire EU as it races to meet its 2030 climate targets and build a resilient, net-zero economy.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, commented: “With this €11bn scheme, France will be able to deploy offshore wind capacities faster, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal.
“It will also help France reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports and enhance its renewable energy share, while ensuring that any potential competition distortions are kept to a minimum.”
France’s wind energy plan
The French scheme will fund the construction and operation of three floating offshore wind farms.
One project is planned for the waters off Southern Brittany, while the remaining two will be located in the Mediterranean Sea.
Each installation is expected to have a capacity of 500 megawatts and generate 2.2 terawatt-hours of electricity annually – enough to power 450,000 French households.
This represents a significant addition to France’s renewable energy portfolio and a crucial step in supporting EU-wide targets to increase the share of clean energy sources.
How the funding works
Aid for the projects will be awarded through a transparent and non-discriminatory bidding process, ensuring fair competition.
One operator will be selected per offshore zone. As part of the eligibility criteria, bidders must demonstrate supply chain resilience, a strategic move to reduce reliance on Chinese imports for wind turbine components.
The financial support will take the form of a two-way contract for difference (CfD). This mechanism helps stabilise revenue for renewable energy producers while protecting public funds.
When market electricity prices fall below the reference price (set by each winning bid), the government will compensate the difference. Conversely, if market prices exceed the reference, developers will pay the surplus back to the French state.
Aligning with CISAF
The approval under CISAF underscores the EU’s commitment to climate-neutral industrial development.
The framework, in place until 31 December 2025, allows EU countries to offer targeted aid in several clean technology areas, including:
- Renewable energy acceleration
- Temporary electricity price relief
- Industrial decarbonisation
- Clean technology manufacturing capacity
- Investment de-risking mechanisms
France’s offshore wind scheme was deemed fully compliant with CISAF provisions, especially in its competitive design and safeguards against market distortions.
The transformative potential of floating offshore wind
Unlike fixed-bottom turbines, floating offshore wind farms can be deployed in deeper waters, tapping into stronger and more consistent wind resources far from shore.
This opens vast new areas for renewable energy production – particularly relevant for countries with deep coastal waters like France, Norway, and Spain.
Floating turbines reduce visual and environmental impacts near shorelines and provide flexibility in site selection, making them ideal for balancing energy production with ecological and social considerations.
As technology costs fall and supply chains mature, floating offshore wind farms could become a cornerstone of Europe’s future energy mix, helping the continent achieve energy independence while drastically cutting carbon emissions.
A wind of change for Europe
The Commission’s approval of France’s €11bn investment marks a turning point for offshore wind in Europe.
With floating technology now at the forefront, the continent is not only boosting renewable capacity but also reinforcing its position as a global leader in clean tech innovation.
This bold move illustrates how coordinated policy, competitive markets, and strategic investment can accelerate the transition to a greener, more resilient energy future.
