The European Commission has approved a EUR 63 billion scheme by France to support the construction and operation of eleven offshore wind farms, aligning with the Clean Industrial Deal objectives.
The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on June 25, 2025.
Under the CISAF, France notified the Commission about its plan to support offshore wind energy, contributing to the Clean Industrial Deal objectives. The 25-year scheme has a budget ceiling of EUR 63 billion.
Located in the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, these wind farms are expected to have a combined capacity of 11.1 GW, generating up to 47.8 TWh of renewable electricity annually, accounting for about 10.6% of France’s annual electricity consumption.
The aid will be allocated through a transparent, non-discriminatory bidding process organized by France. It involves a variable premium under a two-way contract for difference (CfD), calculated by comparing a reference price set in the tender offer against the market electricity price.
If the market price falls below the reference price, beneficiaries receive the difference. Conversely, if the market price exceeds the reference, beneficiaries pay the excess to French authorities.
The Commission established that the French scheme complies with CISAF conditions, particularly offering direct price support via a competitive bidding process with a two-way CfD. Safeguards are in place to ensure proper market function, avoiding producer compensation during negative market prices.
The scheme is deemed essential and proportionate for accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy, supporting crucial economic activities for the Clean Industrial Deal, consistent with Article 107(3)(c) of the EU Treaty and CISAF conditions.
For three wind farms, this scheme replaces a previously approved plan from August 2025.
“Today’s decision enables France’s offshore wind support scheme. France will advance towards a fully decarbonised energy system, with ongoing Commission support for Member States to meet our shared climate goals,” stated Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition.
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