France has awarded energy major TotalEnergies, in partnership with RWE, the contract to develop and operate the 1.5 GW “Centre Manche 2” offshore wind farm off Normandy, marking the country’s largest renewable energy project to date.
The project represents an estimated €4.5 billion investment, the biggest undertaken by TotalEnergies in France in three decades. Once operational, it is expected to generate 6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—enough to power more than one million French households at a competitive rate of €66 per megawatt-hour.
Normandy at the Center of Offshore Wind Expansion
Situated over 40 kilometers off Normandy’s coast, Centre Manche 2 will not only expand France’s renewable energy capacity but also boost regional employment. Around 2,500 people are expected to work during the three-year construction phase, with TotalEnergies committing to 500,000 hours of work dedicated to apprenticeships and professional reintegration.
The company also pledged to implement a European preference policy for major components such as turbines and electrical cables, ensuring significant demand for regional suppliers.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, stated that the project underscores the group’s transformation and its long-standing role in Normandy. He emphasized the commitment to both industrial success and community acceptance.
Strategic Shifts and Regional Engagement
Although RWE has indicated plans to exit the consortium, subject to regulatory approval, TotalEnergies confirmed it will move forward regardless, honoring all project commitments while seeking a new partner.
The company is also working to integrate the project into the region through consultations with local stakeholders, including fishing communities. To support local involvement, crowdfunding options will allow Normandy residents and municipalities to invest directly. Additionally, a €10 million territorial fund will be established to finance training, education, and cultural projects.
Environmental measures have also been included. TotalEnergies committed €45 million to minimize and offset project impacts and €15 million for biodiversity initiatives. Recycling commitments are high: at least 95% of blades, towers, and nacelles will be reused, recycled, or repurposed, while 100% of generator magnets will be recovered.
Broader Context of France’s Energy Transition
TotalEnergies’ presence in France stretches back more than a century, and the company has been increasing renewable investment since 2020. Nearly half of its €8 billion investment in the country over the past five years has gone into energy transition projects. Its current renewable portfolio includes 660 plants across wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage, with a capacity exceeding 2 GW.
The Centre Manche 2 wind farm is scheduled for a final investment decision in 2029, with commercial operations projected to begin in 2033 in line with national grid connection plans.
