France is boosting renewable energy with wind power

France’s wind energy sector continues to expand rapidly, with both onshore and offshore projects gaining momentum as the country pursues its ambitious renewable energy targets.

Installed capacity and growth

• Total capacity: As of mid-2024, France’s cumulative wind energy capacity reached 23.8 GW, solidifying its position as one of the leading wind energy producers in Europe. This reflects steady growth as the country diversifies its energy mix and moves towards a more sustainable future.
• Onshore wind: France installed 573 MW of new onshore wind capacity in the first half of 2024, bringing its total onshore capacity to 22.3 GW. Despite a slight slowdown compared to 2023, onshore wind remains the dominant contributor to France’s wind energy sector.
• Offshore wind: France’s offshore wind sector, while still emerging, has seen notable progress. By mid-2024, the country had 1.5 GW of installed offshore wind capacity, with 633 MW of new offshore wind capacity connected to the grid in the first half of the year. This includes major projects such as the Saint-Brieuc and Fécamp wind farms.

Government ambitions

• 2028 target: France aims to reach 40 GW of total wind capacity by 2028, with 34 GW from onshore wind and 6 GW from offshore wind. This goal aligns with the country’s broader energy transition strategy, reducing reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels while boosting renewable generation.
• 2050 target: By 2050, France has set an ambitious goal of 75 GW of wind energy capacity, with a significant portion coming from offshore wind. The country’s long-term strategy positions it as a key player in Europe’s offshore wind market.

Current and upcoming projects

• Saint-Nazaire Offshore Wind Farm – France’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, now fully operational, with a total capacity of 480 MW.
• Fécamp Offshore Wind Farm – Commissioning started in 2024, with a total planned capacity of 497 MW, contributing to France’s offshore wind expansion.
• Courseulles-sur-Mer Offshore Wind Farm – Set for completion in the mid-2020s, this project will add 450 MW of offshore wind capacity.
• Bretagne Onshore Wind Project – A major onshore wind project adding 300 MW to the grid, reinforcing France’s strong commitment to onshore wind expansion.

Recent developments

• Offshore wind auctions: In the first half of 2024, France awarded 1.2 GW of offshore wind capacity through auctions, with leading developers such as EDF Renewables and TotalEnergies securing contracts. The country is also preparing additional tenders for 2025 and beyond to accelerate offshore wind deployment.
• Green hydrogen integration: France is advancing plans to integrate offshore wind energy with green hydrogen production, using excess wind power to generate hydrogen for storage and industrial applications.
• EU collaboration and grid expansion: France continues to collaborate with EU partners on offshore wind development, focusing on cross-border projects and grid enhancements to optimize renewable energy distribution across Europe.

France’s wind energy sector is on a strong growth trajectory, with 23.8 GW of installed capacity as of mid-2024, including 1.5 GW of offshore wind. While onshore wind remains dominant, offshore wind is expanding, with major projects set to increase capacity in the coming years. The country’s 40 GW target by 2028 and 75 GW by 2050 demonstrate its commitment to renewable energy and carbon reduction.

With continued government support, new offshore auctions, and technological advancements, France is well-positioned to remain a leader in Europe’s wind energy transition.

This information is updated in March 2025

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