The coast of Seine-Maritime, northwest France, is expected to be the site of the country’s first offshore windfarm after it was reported that French industry minister François Loos approved the plans.
The 105 MW plant will be built 7 km from the coast by German group Enertrag, selected following a tender process in 2004. Once completed, the development will produce some 25% of France’s current wind generation.
The farm is expected to completed in 2007 with commercial operation expected towards 2008. Total costs for the development are around€250 – €300 million.
The windfarm’s output will be purchased by Electricité de France at a fixed rate of €100/MWh, slightly more than the current power average.