The European Commission announced that it has approved a €63 billion state aid program by France to support the construction of offshore wind projects over 25 years, aimed at contributing towards the transition towards a net zero economy and aligning with the objectives of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal.
The French program will support the construction and operation of eleven offshore wind farms, in the North Sea, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The windfarms are expected to have a combined capacity of up to 11.1 GW and to generate up to 47.8 TW of renewable electricity per year, equivalent to more than 10% of France’s annual electricity consumption.
The Commission’s approval was made under the new Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF), designed to enable Member States to provide support for goals including clean energy development, industrial decarbonization and clean technology.
Adopted in May 2025, CISAF allows for quicker approval of State aid measures for the roll-out of renewable energy and ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity of clean tech. The framework forms part of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, aimed at accelerating decarbonization initiatives while supporting manufacturing in Europe, and addressing key challenges including climate change and industrial competitiveness.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of a variable premium under a two-way contract for difference (CfD) which will be calculated by comparing a reference price, determined in the tender offer of the beneficiary (‘pay as bid’), to the market price for electricity. If electricity market prices are lower than the strike price, the state will pay the difference. If they are higher, the companies will pay back the difference to the state. The aid will be granted on the basis of a transparent and non-discriminatory bidding process.
The Commission said that the French scheme aligns with the conditions set out in the CISAF and is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero economy and facilitate the development of certain economic activities that are important for the implementation of the CISAF.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said:
“Today’s decision clears the way for France’s offshore wind support scheme. France will continue working towards a fully decarbonised energy system, and the Commission will continue supporting Member States in achieving our common climate objectives.”
The announcement follows the Commission’s recent approval under CISAF of a €23 billion state aid program by Italy to support the deployment of renewable electricity generation.
