Offshore Wind Farm Will Be Largest Renewable Project in France

Europe’s energy transition has accelerated, yet France has trailed behind its neighbors in large-scale offshore wind development. Compared to the U.K. or Germany, France has faced slow progress due to permitting complexity and delayed tenders, despite having strong coastal resources. Yet, as energy demand rises and pressure builds to meet climate targets, France has faced growing urgency to expand domestic renewable capacity and reduce reliance on imported power.

That balance is starting to shift. France has approved an offshore wind project called Centre Manche 2, planned off the coast of Normandy. Developed by TotalEnergies, it will be the country’s biggest renewable energy project and one of the largest in Europe, with 1.5 GW of capacity.

France is planning its largest offshore wind project. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock

A Major Step in France’s Offshore Wind Build-Out

About 40 kilometers off the coast of Normandy, the Center Manche 2 site is expected to produce around 6 TWh of power each year, enough to supply about one million homes.

The wind farm represents TotalEnergies’ largest domestic investment in 30 years, which is valued at €4.5 billion. Development studies will continue until a final investment decision in 2029, with full commissioning targeted for 2033 under France’s grid-connection schedule.

Centre Manche 2 expands on Centre Manche 1, another large-scale offshore wind farm off Normandy’s coast. Developed by EDF Renewables and Maple Power, the 1 GW facility is expected to be commissioned in 2030 or 2031 and will supply power for about 800,000 homes.

Location map for the Centre Manche 2 offshore wind project. Image used courtesy of TotalEnergies

Centre Manche 1 is a planned, large-scale offshore wind farm located off the coast of Normandy, France, with a capacity of 1 gigawatt (1,000,000 kW). Developed by a consortium of EDF Renewables and Maple Power, it is scheduled to be commissioned around 2030 or 2031 and aims to supply electricity for approximately 800,000 households.

Economic and Regional Impact

During the three-year construction phase, Centre Manche 2 is projected to create about 2,500 jobs and deliver 500,000 hours of apprentice and workforce training, much of it within Normandy. TotalEnergies plans to source key components, such as turbines and cables, primarily from European suppliers to strengthen local industry and secure supply chains.

The company also intends to launch a crowdfunding program allowing residents and regional authorities to invest directly, linking community participation to long-term project success. A €10 million territorial fund will support training, education, and cultural initiatives in the surrounding region.

TotalEnergies had partnered with RWE for the project, but RWE has since withdrawn. TotalEnergies stated it will seek additional partners.

Environmental and Recycling Commitments

Environmental management forms a core part of the development plan. TotalEnergies has earmarked €45 million for impact-mitigation measures and another €15 million for a biodiversity fund to support marine conservation in Normandy.

Turbine blades awaiting recycling. Image used courtesy of State of Oregon

Recycling standards are also unusually high for a project of this scale. The company aims to recycle, reuse, or repurpose at least 95 percent of blades, towers, and nacelles, with 100 percent of generator magnets recovered. These steps support Europe’s wider move toward a circular economy and raise the bar for future offshore wind efforts.

Broader Significance for France and TotalEnergies

Centre Manche 2 goes beyond a single development. It signals a change in how France is building out its offshore wind industry. The investment’s scale indicates that large projects can still include local input and careful environmental work while helping the country reach its goals for cleaner, more reliable power.

For TotalEnergies, the site adds another step in its slow move from fossil fuels toward renewable power. The company already runs about 2 GW of wind, solar, hydro, and storage sites across France. Building Centre Manche 2 widens that reach and adds weight to its role among Europe’s growing renewable producers.

Looking Ahead

The project will run for decades, sending clean power to the grid and supporting local jobs. France expects it to help cut emissions while building up its offshore wind industry. The money is already committed, and environmental plans are in place. Centre Manche 2 marks another step in that progress and shows how long-time energy firms are learning to fit into Europe’s new renewable market.