- Octopus Energy and Skyborn Renewables secured prequalification for France’s ninth offshore wind tender, marking a key step in Octopus’s international expansion.
- The partnership leverages Skyborn’s 20+ years of experience in offshore wind and Octopus’s commitment to innovative floating wind technology.
- With France aiming for 45 GW of offshore wind by 2050, the collaboration positions Octopus as a major player in accelerating the country’s renewable energy transition.
Octopus Energy and Skyborn Renewables have secured prequalification for France’s ninth offshore wind tender. This achievement marks a significant step in Octopus’s expansion into international renewable energy markets.
Skyborn Renewables has over 20 years of offshore wind experience. The company has led major projects such as France’s 500 MW Fécamp wind farm, developed with EDF Renewables, Enbridge Inc., and CPP Investments. Skyborn is also actively developing another offshore wind farm in the country.
For Octopus Energy, the prequalification fits into its larger strategy to grow in renewable energy. Since it invested in offshore wind in 2022, Octopus has financed six wind farms in the UK, Netherlands, and Germany. Through its Offshore Wind Fund, “Vector,” Octopus promotes innovative technologies, including floating wind turbines.
France’s offshore wind market remains in its early stages, with only 1 GW of installed capacity. However, the French government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 18 GW by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050. These goals offer significant investment opportunities in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, emphasised offshore wind’s importance to France’s energy strategy. “Offshore wind will play an essential role in France’s energy system, harnessing strong winds to produce abundant clean energy,” she stated.
Skyborn Renewables sees the partnership as a critical opportunity to strengthen its position in France. Guillain Chapelon, Managing Director of Skyborn France, said, “This collaboration with Octopus will enable us to propose a robust project that meets stakeholders’ expectations.”
Octopus Energy’s commitment to France goes beyond offshore wind. The company operates over 360 MW of wind and solar capacity in the country. It also plans to expand its electricity supply business to reach one million customers by 2030.
The company is launching local initiatives like the “Fan Club,” which offers reduced electricity to residents living near wind farms. These efforts highlight Octopus’s commitment to community engagement and energy innovation.
Octopus’s offshore wind plans reflect its broader investment strategy. The company has committed $20 billion to offshore wind by 2030, underscoring its ambition to lead the global transition to renewable energy.
Octopus Energy aims to accelerate the country’s energy transition by joining the French offshore wind tender. With its proven track record and future investments, Octopus positions itself as a critical player in the growth of France’s offshore wind industry.
Though developing, the French offshore wind market offers abundant opportunities for companies like Octopus and Skyborn. As France works toward its ambitious energy goals, the collaboration between Octopus and Skyborn Renewables will contribute to the growth of marine energy and the global shift toward cleaner power sources.