The French Government has launched new tenders for onshore and offshore wind energy as part of its third multiannual energy programme (PPE3). The programme targets a rise in electricity production, from 544 TWh in 2025 to between 650 TWh and 693 TWh by 2035, alongside a reduction in fossil fuel consumption to around 330 TWh.
For onshore wind, the strategy prioritises the repowering of existing wind farms rather than large-scale expansion into new areas. Repowering is considered more cost-effective and benefits from higher local acceptance, while also allowing improved turbine performance and reduced environmental impact through fewer, more efficient machines.
Measures have been introduced to support this approach, including adjustments to local tax distribution to increase benefits for host communities and simplified permitting procedures for repowering projects. A spatial planning mechanism for “renewal zones” will also be developed in areas with high turbine density to optimise technical, environmental and local integration outcomes. A tender round for onshore wind is scheduled for May 2026 with a capacity of 800 MW, followed by a second round in September 2026. Only projects that have already obtained environmental approval will be eligible to participate.
Offshore wind is identified as a central component of France’s energy strategy, with a target of 45 GW installed capacity by 2050, representing around 20% of electricity demand. An interim target of 15 GW is set for 2035, compared with 2 GW currently in operation and 5.6 GW under development. To support this expansion, the Government has combined two planned tender rounds into a single procedure covering approximately 10 GW of capacity. This includes 5 GW of fixed-bottom and 5 GW of floating offshore wind projects across multiple maritime regions. The tender process is expected to result in the selection of initial projects by the end of 2026 or early 2027. It will include criteria related to supply chain resilience and industrial capacity, alongside cost considerations, with a target average strike price below €100/MWh. The development of offshore wind is also linked to industrial policy, with existing manufacturing sites and supply chain activities expected to support further expansion of the sector.
