The French government is preparing to launch its third tender for offshore wind development, the country's energy minister has announced.
The French government is preparing to launch its third tender for offshore wind development, the country’s energy minister has announced.
The proposed wind farm will be situated off the northern harbour town of Dunkerque. Further details of the project and bidding timescale have yet to be released.
Energy Minister Segolene Royal said that the bidding procedure would include a process that would allow bidders to fine-tune their bids through a ‘competitive dialogue’. Studies of wind, wave and soil studies would also be made available to bidders prior to final bid submissions.
France awarded its first offshore wind energy tender in 2012, awarding 2000 MW of capacity to two joint ventures – EDF and Alstom, and Iberdrola with Areva.
A second tender in 2014 saw a further 1000 MW awarded to an Engie-led consortium.