- TotalEnergies will lead the €4.5 billion Centre Manche 2 offshore wind project off Normandy, which will supply green power to over one million households.
- The project will create 2,500 construction jobs, invest in local communities, and commit over €70 million to environmental and social initiatives.
The French Ministry of Industry and Energy has awarded the Centre Manche 2 (AO8) offshore wind tender to a consortium led by TotalEnergies and RWE, marking the launch of France’s largest renewable energy project.
The 1.5-gigawatt (GW) offshore wind farm will rise more than 40 kilometres off the Normandy coast. Once operational in 2033, it will generate about six terawatt hours (TWh) annually, enough to power over one million French households. The electricity will sell at a competitive €66 per megawatt hour.
TotalEnergies will operate the project, drawing on its offshore wind expertise and experience in large-scale marine energy. In line with RTE’s grid connection schedule, the company plans to complete studies and reach a final investment decision by 2029.
“This project embodies our transformation into TotalEnergies in France and marks our largest investment in decades,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. “We will mobilise our expertise, support the local industrial ecosystem, and deliver competitive green electricity to French customers.”
In addition, RWE has indicated plans to exit the consortium, pending French authorities’ approval. TotalEnergies confirmed it will assume full responsibility for the project and bring in a new partner.
Furthermore, the project will require €4.5 billion in investment and deliver significant economic benefits to Normandy. Construction will employ up to 2,500 people over three years. TotalEnergies committed 500,000 hours of work for apprentices and workers in professional reintegration and pledged to prioritise European suppliers for turbines and cables.
To involve local communities, TotalEnergies will launch a crowdfunding platform that allows residents and local authorities to invest directly. The company will also create a €10 million territorial fund to support education, training, and cultural initiatives in Normandy.
TotalEnergies pledged €45 million to avoid, reduce, or offset environmental impacts and €15 million to establish a biodiversity fund. The company is also committed to recycling or repurposing at least 95% of blades, towers, nacelles, and 100% of generator magnets.
Since 2020, TotalEnergies has invested over €8 billion in France, dedicating nearly half to energy transition projects. With 660 renewable plants in wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage, the company now supplies electricity to 1.8 million people. It ranks among France’s top three renewable power producers with more than 2 GW installed capacity.
By driving the Centre Manche 2 project, TotalEnergies will accelerate France’s energy transition, strengthen Normandy’s economy, and deliver clean power on an unprecedented scale.