The offshore wind market - France

The global wind energy market from 2020 onwards reflects significant growth in the offshore segment, despite stagnation in the overall wind energy market. By the end of 2024, the annual capacity of wind power installations is expected to reach 73 gigawatts, a 24-fold increase over a 26-year period. While maximum production capacity was forecast for 2020, the following years show signs of stagnation. However, offshore wind power production has seen a massive increase of 1,600%. The growth of the offshore sector is underlined by a record installed capacity of 6.1 gigawatts, with average annual growth of 29%.

Among the countries, China dominates with 43% of the world's wind power capacity, while France, which has yet to commission an offshore wind farm, is promising in terms of offshore wind potential, with a target of 10 GW by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic had mixed effects, leading to an increase in demand for wind power in Europe during the initial shutdown periods, but also a slowdown in infrastructure installations.

Despite this, plans such as the European Commission's target of 340 GW by 2050 underline the strategic importance of wind power, which could lead to significant investment and employment in the sector.

Broad horizons for the French wind energy sector in the face of growing demand

The French wind energy market has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, as demand for renewable energy sources has grown.

Although a peak in production capacity was anticipated around 2020, followed by a temporary stagnation, forecasts for offshore wind power paint a more dynamic picture. France, home to the world's second-largest maritime surface area, naturally harbors significant offshore potential, although it currently has no operational offshore wind farms. However, with several projects currently under construction, the French market is poised for substantial growth in this sector. Indeed, projections show that French wind power capacity could be multiplied by 2.5 by 2028, mainly due to the development of offshore wind power, which remains a relatively untapped resource.

The data provided highlight certain aspects of demand, employment and priorities for wind power in France. In regions such as Île-de-France, which employs around 26% of the wind energy workforce, or the Grand Est, which is set to outstrip the others by contributing the distribution and orientation of the sector is clearly decentralized. This regional distribution of jobs and energy production indicates a national commitment to wind power and its benefits. In terms of investment, marine energies, including offshore wind power, post robust annual sales of around €550 million, with capital expenditure accounting for around 46% of this figure.

These figures testify to a strong commitment to developing the sector's infrastructure and capacities. Not only is domestic construction important, but so is the international aspect, with exports playing a crucial role for French companies. With 86% of sales dependent on exports, and EU targets for offshore wind capacity by 2050, French companies seem well placed to take advantage of local and global wind energy opportunities.

French sentiment towards wind power presents an environment conducive to the growth of this renewable source, with around 73% of the population viewing it positively and more than half wishing to witness its development in the future.

Key players in the French wind energy market.

The growth and evolution of the French wind energy industry has been supported by a large number of companies operating in different market segments.

As France forges ahead with the ambition of consolidating its position in the renewable energy sector, several companies are playing a decisive role in a dynamic and increasingly competitive landscape.

• Vestas: Hailing from Denmark, Vestas is a beacon in the wind turbine manufacturing industry, with a 29% share of France's installed electrical capacity. Vestas is renowned for its engineering prowess and is a market leader in providing state-of-the-art solutions for wind power generation.
  
  
• Siemens Gamesa: A German-Spanish company, Siemens Gamesa has established itself as a key competitor and contributor in the wind energy sector. The company's commitment to renewable energies is reflected in its wide range of wind turbines for different wind conditions and locations.
  
  
• Engie: Engie, one of France's leading wind farm operators, has an 18% stake in installed capacity. The company's extensive portfolio and expertise in energy operations make it an important figure in the sector, managing wind power projects that provide clean electricity across the country.
  
  
• EDF Énergies Nouvelles: A subsidiary of Électricité de France (EDF), this company plays a key role as an operator in the wind energy market, with a 13% share of installed capacity. EDF Énergies Nouvelles implements projects throughout France, contributing to the country's energy transition and increasing the renewable energy footprint.
  
  
• General Electric (GE): The American multinational's presence in St-Nazaire illustrates the strength of global industry within France's borders. GE's St-Nazaire plant not only serves the French market, but also exports wind turbine technology abroad, signaling the industry's global interconnectedness.

As players such as Vestas, Enercon, Siemens Gamesa, Engie and EDF Energies Nouvelles navigate the waters of a market rich in opportunities and challenges, their roles highlight the many facets of France's wind energy industry. From manufacturing to operation, these companies form the backbone of a promising future in renewable energies. They continue to innovate and develop, underlining the importance of wind energy for France.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 03/11/2021

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Capacités annuelles des installations d'énergie éolienne
• Production d'énergie éolienne offshore
• Capacité d'énergie éolienne offshore supplémentaire installée et connectée au réseau
• Capacité cumulative d'énergie éolienne installée par pays
• Capacité éolienne offshore par pays
• Prix du MWh d'énergie éolienne offshore
• Part de la demande d'énergies éolienne et solaire durant le confinement dû à la pandémie de Covid-19
• Part des énergies renouvelables dans la consommation brute finale d'énergie
• Production annuelle d'énergie éolienne
• Objectif de la Programmation Pluriannuelle de l'Énergie pour l'éolien offshore
• Chiffre d'affaires et investissements dans les énergies de la mer
• Consommation d'énergie primaire
• Emplois liés à l'éolien par maillon de la chaîne de valeur
• Répartition des emplois du secteur éolien
• Classement des opérateurs de fermes éoliennes par capacité installée
• Classement des constructeurs de fermes éoliennes par capacité installée
• Répartition du nombre d'entreprises des énergies de la mer selon leur taille
• Répartition des ETP dans les énergies de la mer selon la taille de l'entreprise
• Répartition du potentiel français d'énergie éolienne offshore par type d'infrastructure
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• Quel type d'énergie voudriez-vous voir se développer au cours des prochaines années ?