The French government has allocated nearly EUR 260 million to five ports under the France 2030 investment programme to enhance infrastructure for the floating offshore wind industry.
The ports of Cherbourg, Brest, Nantes-Saint Nazaire, Port-la-Nouvelle, and Marseille-Fos have been selected, with total investment expected to reach nearly EUR 1 billion.
Government officials stated the funding, managed by ADEME, will adapt port infrastructure for manufacturing, assembly, and deployment of floating wind projects, supporting France’s goal of 6 GW of floating wind power by 2040.
The projects aim to create a network of industrial hubs on the Atlantic, Channel, and Mediterranean coasts, enhancing the domestic supply chain, the government noted on 30 July.
Ports de Normandie revealed its plan to upgrade Cherbourg involves a EUR 30 million investment, with EUR 10.5 million from ADEME, EUR 18.1 million from offshore renewable energy revenue, and EUR 1.4 million from the Cotentin Urban Community.
The funding aligns with France’s effort to expand floating wind energy, including the AO10 tender, awarding over 10 GW across seven floating and four fixed-bottom wind farms.
Earlier this month, the European Commission approved France’s EUR 63 billion scheme to support offshore wind via Contracts for Difference (CfDs). The 25-year scheme will back eleven wind farms in the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, aiming for a combined capacity of 11.1 GW to supply up to 47.8 TWh annually, roughly 10.6% of France’s electricity consumption, according to the EU Commission.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz