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In a landmark achievement for the global energy transition, a consortium between Elicio, an international wind energy producer, and BayWa r.e., a renewable energy developer and solutions provider, has won the AO5 tender in France to develop the world’s first commercial floating offshore wind farm. The announcement was made by Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty; Roland Lescure, Minister Delegate for Industry and Energy; and Hervé Berville, Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity.
The award results from a competitive tender process launched in 2021 for an offshore floating wind project with a capacity between 230 and 270 MW, situated off the coast of Lorient in southern Brittany. The ‘Pennavel’ floating offshore wind project is poised to become a cornerstone of the region’s energy landscape. It is expected to generate about 30% of Brittany’s current renewable energy production, supplying power to over 450,000 residents annually and significantly contributing to the region’s sustainable growth.
Pennavel will be the world’s first commercial floating wind farm to secure a long-term Contract for Difference (CfD). The project is assured a grid connection with RTE, the French transmission system operator responsible for the transmission assets, including the offshore substation and export cables. The consortium’s shareholders are honored to be chosen to advance the energy transition in Brittany, working closely with local partners.
Pennavel has been meticulously developed and structured by the consortium’s experienced teams, along with numerous expert advisors and a comprehensive offshore wind network, resulting in a robust and well-founded project. Its development involved close consultation with local stakeholders, including professional fishermen, environmental experts, and representatives of the industrial value chain.
The consortium pledges to invest 5 million euros to support the development of socio-economic activities in the Brittany and Pays de la Loire regions. Local residents will have the opportunity to invest in the project through crowdfunding. Additionally, the floating offshore wind farm is projected to create approximately 4.5 million working hours during the construction phase and over 30 permanent jobs during its operational phase.
Alain Janssens, CEO of Elicio, said, “Elicio brings a unique set of collective and individual skills to this Consortium; and we are extremely pleased that this has been recognised with the award of the AO5 tender. Armed with our pioneering experience in offshore and building on our successful onshore wind track record in France, we are confident that we will contribute to the success of competitive floating offshore projects in France, combining sound project execution with a unique local footprint. Elicio is proud to add this French project to its extensive portfolio of offshore wind projects in Belgium and Scotland.”
Matthias Taft, CEO of BayWa r.e, added,“We are delighted by the decision of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, which recognises the huge commitment and quality of the work carried out by the BayWa r.e. and Elicio teams. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with the region and all stakeholders in support of the energy transition. It is a proud moment for the consortium, and as we begin a new chapter for BayWa r.e. in the floating offshore industry, we are excited to be working on such a game-changing project, which will act as a reference point for future floating wind farms across the globe.”
