TotalEnergies to develop France’s largest 1.5 GW offshore wind farm, investing €4.5 billion, boosting Normandy’s economy, jobs, sustainability, and energy transition.
The French Ministry of Industry and Energy has awarded the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender to the consortium led by TotalEnergies and RWE. The project will involve the design, development, construction, and long-term operation of a 1.5-gigawatt (GW) offshore wind farm located more than 40 kilometers off the Normandy coast. Once operational, it will be the largest renewable energy initiative ever undertaken in France.
This large-scale wind farm is expected to generate around 6 terawatt hours (TWh) annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of over one million French households. The electricity will be supplied at a competitive tariff of €66 per megawatt hour, ensuring both affordability and sustainability.
TotalEnergies will serve as the operator, leveraging its long-standing expertise in offshore wind technology and large-scale marine energy projects. The company plans to complete necessary technical and environmental studies with a goal of reaching a final investment decision by 2029, followed by electricity production starting in 2033, in line with the national grid operator RTE’s connection schedule.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that it not only represents the largest renewable energy project in France but also demonstrates TotalEnergies’ transformation and commitment to clean power. He highlighted that the project will be the company’s largest single investment in France in decades, strengthening both national energy security and regional industrial development. Pouyanné also stressed that the project will actively involve the local workforce and supply chains, while ensuring regional acceptance and integration.
The project is estimated to require an investment of €4.5 billion and is expected to generate extensive economic benefits. Around 2,500 jobs will be created during the three-year construction phase. Additionally, TotalEnergies has pledged 500,000 hours of work opportunities for apprentices and workers in professional reintegration programs. A strong focus will be placed on sourcing from European suppliers, particularly for turbines and electrical equipment, thereby reinforcing the European renewable energy value chain.
TotalEnergies is also prioritizing community engagement and environmental responsibility. A dedicated team will continue consultations with local stakeholders to balance project development with fishing activities and regional interests. A €10 million territorial fund will support education, training, and cultural initiatives in Normandy, while a €45 million environmental fund will mitigate ecological impacts. Furthermore, €15 million will be allocated to biodiversity protection in the region.
To ensure sustainability beyond energy generation, the company has pledged that at least 95% of blades, towers, and nacelles will be reused, recycled, or repurposed, with 100% of generator magnets also recycled. A crowdfunding scheme will allow local residents and authorities to invest in the project, directly contributing to their territory’s energy transition.
TotalEnergies has a long-standing presence in France, with over a century of operations. Since 2020, it has invested more than €8 billion in the country, with nearly half of that dedicated to renewable energy. With a portfolio of 660 wind, solar, hydro, and storage facilities, the company already supplies renewable electricity to 1.8 million people and provides power and gas to 4.2 million French households and businesses. The Centre Manche 2 offshore wind farm further cements its role as a top-three renewable electricity provider in France.
TotalEnergies is a globally integrated energy company engaged in producing and marketing a diverse range of energy sources, including oil, biofuels, natural gas, biogas, low-carbon hydrogen, renewable power, and electricity. With a workforce of over 100,000 professionals, the company is dedicated to delivering energy that is reliable, affordable, and sustainable to as many people as possible. Operating across nearly 120 countries, TotalEnergies embeds sustainability at the core of its strategy, projects, and daily operations.
