Danish power company Ørsted and Total have teamed up with Belgian renewables firm Elicio to bid for a wind project off the coast of Dunkirk.
A total of nine bids are being considered in the tender for the Dunkirk project, which will have a maximum capacity of 600MW.
The French wind power tender has attracted interest from a slew of international energy heavyweights, signaling that France’s offshore wind industry could finally be taking off after years of missteps, said a report in the Reuters.
In two previous French tenders, in 2012 and 2014, a bumper 3,000 MW of capacity worth 11 billion euros ($12.4 billion) was awarded, but the projects have not materialized because of public opposition and contract wrangles.
Now, France is making a new start, auctioning a modest 600 MW in the northern town of Dunkirk in a tender it hopes will finally exploit some of the best offshore wind potential in Europe.
Elicio underwent successful preselection for the French Round 3 offshore competition prior to forming the consortium.
Martin Neubert, Chief Executive Officer of Ørsted Offshore, said: “Offshore wind can contribute significantly to France’s renewable energy targets. As the world-leading offshore wind developer, we bring an unparalleled track-record in developing, constructing and operating offshore wind farms to the consortium, and the combined competencies of Ørsted, Total and Elicio are ideal to help France unleash its significant potential for developing clean power from offshore wind.”
Emile Dumont, President of Elicio France, said: “Wind energy has significant growth potential in France and is at the heart of Elicio’s strategy to contribute towards a cleaner and cost-effective energy powered world. Further to Elicio’s successful preselection for the French round 3 competitive dialogue and by joining our unique expertise and experience, we are committed, with our partners Total and Ørsted, to making this tender a milestone in the French offshore wind sector".