TotalEnergies and RWE to Develop France’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm, Centre Manche 2 – EQ
In Short : TotalEnergies, in partnership with RWE, has won a €4.5 billion contract to develop France’s largest offshore wind farm, Centre Manche 2, off Normandy. The 1.5 GW project will generate six terawatt-hours annually, powering around one million homes. Scheduled to start production in 2033, the project supports France’s 2050 offshore wind goals, boosts local jobs, and promotes renewable energy adoption.
In Detail : TotalEnergies, alongside RWE, has secured a €4.5 billion contract from the French government to develop the Centre Manche 2 offshore wind farm off the coast of Normandy. This marks France’s largest offshore wind project to date, highlighting the growing momentum in the country’s renewable energy sector despite regulatory and planning challenges.
The Centre Manche 2 project will have a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts, capable of generating six terawatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is sufficient to power approximately one million households, significantly contributing to France’s renewable energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
This project represents TotalEnergies’ largest investment in France in the past thirty years. The company aims to make a final investment decision by early 2029, with electricity production expected to commence in 2033. The agreed energy tariff is €66 per megawatt-hour, ensuring long-term financial viability.
In addition to energy generation, TotalEnergies has committed to creating employment opportunities, particularly in the Normandy region. The company also plans to implement a European preference policy for major equipment, including wind turbines and electricity cables, to support local industries and supply chains.
The Centre Manche 2 initiative is part of France’s broader goal to achieve 45 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2050, up from the current 1.5 gigawatts. The project underlines the country’s strategic push toward clean energy and climate resilience.
By investing in this offshore wind farm, TotalEnergies is expanding its renewable energy portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to global decarbonization efforts. The project aligns with the company’s broader strategy to increase clean energy capacity and reduce carbon emissions worldwide.
The offshore wind farm will also enhance France’s energy security by diversifying its energy mix. It is expected to contribute to economic development, create jobs, and stimulate investment in the renewable energy sector, particularly in coastal regions.
As the project progresses, Centre Manche 2 is expected to serve as a model for future offshore wind initiatives in France and other countries. Large-scale renewable projects like this demonstrate the potential to meet growing energy demands sustainably and reliably.
