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Twelve Developers Compete for Four New Offshore Wind Sites in France

The French government pre-qualifies 12 candidates for AO9 tender, offering 4 new offshore wind farm sites.
12 Developers in Running for Four New Offshore Wind Sites in France

The French government has shortlisted twelve candidates for the AO9 tender, offering four new sites for offshore wind development: one in South Brittany, two in the Mediterranean, and one in the French South Atlantic region.

France initiated the tender process in July 2024, completing the first phase. The next step is the competitive dialogue, followed by the proposal submission and selection phase.

The twelve developers pre-qualified for the project are: BayWa r.e.; a consortium of Elicio Group, Q Energy, and Kansai Electric; EnBW Valeco Offshore; a consortium of EDF Renewables and Maple Power; Iberdrola; a consortium of Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires; a consortium of Oxan Energy and Ingka Investments; Plenitude and Qair; Parkwind; RWE; Skyborn Renewables and Octopus Energy; and TotalEnergies.

The AO9 offshore wind tender (l’Appel d’Offres 9) seeks to procure a floating wind farm with 400 MW to 550 MW capacity in South Brittany, two floating wind farms each with a 450 MW to 550 MW capacity in the Mediterranean, and an offshore wind farm with 1,000 MW to 1,250 MW capacity in the South Atlantic.

The South Brittany project is near a site awarded through the AO5 tender, secured by Elicio and BayWa r.e. earlier this year.

For the South Atlantic wind farm, the next tender phase will determine the use of fixed-bottom or floating wind technology.

In the competitive dialogue phase, French authorities will detail the tender criteria and maritime zones for the projects.

Following the developer announcement, Ingka Investments, part of Ingka Group (the largest IKEA retailer), noted its investment in over 10 GW of offshore wind capacity across six countries, now adding France as a seventh market. Its partner Oxan Energy will leverage its experience in floating offshore wind projects in France and globally.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

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COP29 Ends Amidst Criticism Over Loopholes and Disunity


The United Nations’ 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) concluded with widespread criticism over perceived loopholes and a lack of unity among participating nations. Environmental experts and activists expressed concerns that the agreements reached may be insufficient to address the escalating climate crisis.



Despite initial optimism, the conference, held in Bonn, Germany, was marked by intense debates and disagreements. Key issues included carbon emission reduction targets and financial commitments to developing countries. Many attendees felt these discussions fell short of meaningful progress. Learn more about the UN’s climate change efforts here.



A significant point of contention was the establishment of clear guidelines for monitoring and reporting emissions. Critics argue that the absence of stringent measures allows countries to exploit loopholes, undermining global efforts to curb climate change. The lack of consensus on this issue highlights the challenges in achieving cohesive international action.



Some developing nations voiced frustration over inadequate financial support from wealthier countries, which they argue is essential for implementing sustainable practices and mitigating climate impacts. This financial gap remains a major obstacle, fueling discontent and hampering collaborative efforts. Explore the Green Climate Fund’s role in supporting climate action.



Meanwhile, environmental groups emphasized the need for immediate and robust action, warning that delays could have catastrophic implications. They called for greater transparency and accountability in future agreements, urging nations to prioritize the planet’s health over economic interests.



As COP29 ends, the international community faces the challenge of bridging divides and enhancing cooperation to effectively combat climate change. Stakeholders are now looking ahead to future conferences, hoping for more decisive action and unity.

November 22, 2024

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024