EU hands France €11 billion for offshore wind

This is around 10% of the total amount – €100 billion – that the block has earmarked in its ‘Clean Industrial Deal’ initiative that was launched in February 2025, which aims ‘to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries’.

In France, the cash will go towards three floating offshore wind farms, one south of Brittany and two in the Mediterranean Sea. The EU says each wind farm will generate around 500MW.

“The Commission concluded that the French scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities, which are of importance for the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal,” it says.

At the heart of the deal is affordable energy, which the EU says will be achieved by rolling out renewable energy and low-carbon fuel schemes; allowing temporary electricity price relief; facilitate the decarbonisation of industrial processes; de-risk private investments; and ensure there is sufficient clean technology manufacturing capacity, such as cash for batteries, wind turbines, electrolysers and carbon capture and storage. 

“With this €11 billion scheme, France will be able to deploy offshore wind capacities faster, in line with the Clean Industrial Deal,” said Teresa Ribera, executive vice-president for ‘Clean, Just and Competitive Transition’. “It will also help France reduce its dependence on fossil fuels imports and enhance its renewable energy share, while ensuring that any potential competition distortions are kept to the minimum.”

More details of the Clean Industrial Deal requirements are here.