France Awards Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind Project to TotalEnergies in Historic €4.5B Deal
Paris, September 24, 2025 – In a historic milestone for France’s renewable energy sector, TotalEnergies Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind has secured the €4.5 billion Centre Manche 2 offshore wind tender, establishing the largest renewable energy project ever undertaken in the country. Developed in partnership with RWE, the project will see the construction and operation of a 1.5-gigawatt offshore wind farm off the coast of Normandy, set to transform France’s energy landscape by providing green electricity to over 1 million households.
France’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm
The Centre Manche 2 offshore wind farm, located more than 40 kilometers from the Normandy coastline, is expected to generate approximately 6 terawatt-hours of electricity per year. This volume of clean energy will supply more than 1.1 million homes while maintaining a competitive electricity price of €66 per megawatt-hour, ensuring affordability alongside France’s ambitious decarbonization goals.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said:
“Winning the Centre Manche 2 tender demonstrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to the energy transition in France. This project is not only a major industrial achievement but also a milestone in providing clean, affordable electricity to French households.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The €4.5 billion investment is poised to deliver a significant economic boost to Normandy and beyond. During the three-year construction phase, the project will generate up to 2,500 jobs and provide 500,000 hours of work for apprentices and individuals in professional reintegration programs.
TotalEnergies will implement a European preference policy, sourcing turbines, cables, and other major components from European manufacturers, thereby supporting regional industry and strengthening the European offshore wind supply chain. Residents and local authorities in Normandy will also have the opportunity to co-invest through a crowdfunding initiative, promoting local engagement and ownership in the renewable energy transition.
Project Timeline and RWE Partnership
The project expects a final investment decision in 2029, with electricity production slated for 2033, aligned with France’s RTE grid connection schedule.
RWE has announced its intention to exit the consortium, pending approval from French authorities. TotalEnergies will continue development, honoring all existing commitments, and plans to bring in a new partner to replace RWE.
Regional and European Benefits
The project strengthens Normandy’s regional economy and France’s position in the European offshore wind market. It will create advanced training opportunities, foster growth among European suppliers for turbines and transmission cables, and support local initiatives through a €10 million territorial fund dedicated to education, culture, and workforce development.
TotalEnergies’ Renewable Leadership in France
TotalEnergies has a long-standing presence in France, investing more than €8 billion since 2020, with nearly half directed toward renewable energy projects. The company operates 660 renewable assets across wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage, supplying electricity to 1.8 million people and serving 4.2 million residential and business customers. With over 2 GW of installed renewable capacity, TotalEnergies ranks among the top three renewable electricity providers in France.
A Brief History and Future of Wind Energy in France
France has steadily grown its wind energy sector over the past two decades, becoming a key player in Europe’s renewable energy transition. As of 2025, the country has reached a total of 18,676 megawatts (MW) of installed wind power capacity, making it the world’s seventh-largest wind power nation by installed capacity. Onshore and offshore wind farms across Normandy, Brittany, and other regions have contributed to this impressive growth, laying the foundation for France’s ambitious future targets.
Looking ahead, France aims to achieve 18 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050, reflecting its commitment to carbon neutrality and the broader EU climate goals. To support this, the French government has proposed a major €11 billion state aid scheme, designed to accelerate the development of offshore wind projects, foster industrial growth, and stimulate job creation in the sector.
The Centre Manche 2 project represents a cornerstone in achieving these targets. With a capacity of 1.5 GW, it will supply green electricity to over 1 million households, significantly contributing to the 2035 target of 18 GW. Beyond its direct output, the project sets a benchmark for industrial best practices, environmental sustainability, and local economic engagement. By leveraging European suppliers, promoting apprenticeship programs, and investing in regional infrastructure, Centre Manche 2 strengthens the ecosystem needed to achieve France’s long-term offshore wind ambitions. Its success will act as a catalyst for the country’s renewable energy expansion, helping France move closer to its 45 GW goal by 2050.
Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind Project – Key Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind |
| Operator | TotalEnergies (RWE partnership initially) |
| Investment | €4.5 billion |
| Location | 40 km off the coast of Normandy, France |
| Capacity | 1.5 GW |
| Electricity Generation | 6 TWh per year |
| Households Powered | ~1 million |
| Electricity Price | €66/MWh |
| Jobs Created | Up to 2,500 during construction |
| Training/Apprenticeships | 500,000 hours |
| Environmental Fund | €45 million for mitigation, €15 million for biodiversity |
| Recycling Commitment | ≥95% turbine components, 100% generator magnets |
| Investment Decision | Expected 2029 |
| Electricity Production Start | 2033 |
| Local Investment | Crowdfunding options for Normandy residents; €10M territorial fund |
| European Industry Engagement | Priority sourcing from European suppliers (turbines, cables) |
Conclusion: A Milestone for France and Europe
TotalEnergies Centre Manche 2 Offshore Wind represents not only France’s largest renewable energy project but also a model for sustainable industrial growth. With over 1 million homes powered, thousands of jobs created, and groundbreaking environmental commitments, this project sets a benchmark for the European green energy transition.
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