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enero 15, 2025

France vs. the United Kingdom: Lessons and challenges in offshore wind expansion

With a focus on regulation and government-led planning, France aims to position itself as a more controlled and secure market for offshore wind energy, with 10 projects at various stages of development. Romero Moreira, Offshore Wind Engineer at Empire Engineering, analyses the sector's progress and challenges in an interview with Energía Estratégica España.
By Lucia Colaluce

By Lucia Colaluce

enero 15, 2025
France

France is advancing towards consolidating its offshore wind energy market with approximately 10 projects under construction, in the planning phase, or ready for execution. Romero Moreira, Offshore Wind Engineer at Empire Engineering, notes to Strategic Energy Europe that the country holds a strategic position but still faces significant challenges compared to other major players, such as the United Kingdom.

«France today is where the UK was 5 or 10 years ago, but with different technologies and a more regulatory approach,» says Moreira. This model, led by the French government, contrasts with the UK’s predominantly private-sector approach, where companies are responsible for the planning, production, and export of electricity. «In France, the government prepares the scope of the projects and then invites companies to participate,» explains the engineer.

France and the UK: Planning vs. Business Agility

France’s approach reduces risks for investors but sacrifices some flexibility. «France is known for being a more controlled market, with strong government involvement, which offers greater security compared to the UK’s more agile model,» observes Moreira.

This regulatory framework includes clear targets for 2035 and 2050, aiming for 18 GW and 45 GW of operational capacity respectively, boosting investor confidence.

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In contrast, electrical export infrastructure is a strength in France. «While in the UK, companies manage the export infrastructure, in France it is handled by RTE, reducing risks for developers,» he affirms.

Port Infrastructure: A Critical Bottleneck

Despite regulatory advancements, port infrastructure remains a major challenge. «France does not have enough port facilities equipped for the production and storage of wind components,» warns Moreira. The engineer highlights the need for large spaces both for assembly and for storing large structures such as floaters and foundations.

«Specialised ports are required: some for manufacturing and others for storage and logistics,» he explains, noting that countries like Poland and Spain have developed advanced projects in this area.

The Challenge of Floating vs. Fixed Offshore Wind

France also faces technical hurdles in developing floating wind projects. «The recent auction for the O5 floating wind farm in Brittany surprised the sector with its contractual price, similar to fixed wind farms, despite floating technologies being in their infancy,» Moreira points out. This scenario raises doubts about long-term profitability while marking a starting point for the industry.

According to the engineer, upcoming auctions and projects will help determine the feasibility and profitability of these technologies within their respective depth ranges. Floating structures are generally more suitable for deep waters, while fixed-anchored structures, such as monopiles and jackets, are more appropriate for shallow waters.

International Collaboration and Dependence on Other Markets

International collaboration will be crucial to overcome production limitations in France. «Countries like the Netherlands and the UK are strategic allies, thanks to their advanced ports and infrastructure,» says Moreira. However, he warns about China’s increasing dependence on products and technologies, which could limit European market autonomy.

«Although there are local content clauses, it is impossible to rely solely on Europe for all sector needs,» he comments. This dynamic highlights the importance of international agreements and shared expertise between markets.

Future Outlook

Romero Moreira concludes by emphasising France’s potential to become a global example of planning and security in the offshore wind energy sector. «I believe France will prove that a more controlled and secure market can be efficient and attractive to investors,» he asserts.

The combination of long-term planning, solid regulation, and technological advancements positions France as a key player in the global energy transition, despite significant challenges in infrastructure and costs.

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