Offshore Wind in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: A Blueprint for Regional Growth and Energy Transition
This blog post, authored by Craig Brown, OWC Head of Market Studies, delves into the findings of a recent supply chain study and economic impact assessment conducted for Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It highlights the region’s potential to host 4.6 GW of offshore wind farms by 2040, driven by the AO7, AO9, and AO10 auction rounds, and examines the opportunities these developments present for local businesses and communities.
Setting the Stage: Offshore Wind Ambitions in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
France’s government has set ambitious national targets of 18 GW of offshore wind by 2035 and 45 GW by 2040. Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean, is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to these goals. Up to 4.6 GW of offshore wind farms are poised to be developed off the region’s coastline by 2040, split between 2.2 GW of bottom-fixed projects and 2.4 GW of floating wind farms.
The first wave of developments is expected to come online in 2031-2032, following the ongoing AO7 and AO9 auctions and the upcoming AO10 tender process.
Tapping into the Local Supply Chain
One of the standout features of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is its local supply chain and infrastructure. The region boasts over 200 companies offering direct or complementary services to the offshore wind sector. This ecosystem includes tier-2 and tier-3 component manufacturers, port operators, and offshore service providers. Importantly, Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s port infrastructure—including four commercial ports—is well-equipped to support the construction, operations, and maintenance phases of offshore wind projects.
OWC’s analysis suggests that the local supply chain can achieve approximately 20% local content, making it a vital contributor to the region’s economic development.
Economic Impacts: Jobs and Growth
The offshore wind developments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine are set to deliver substantial economic benefits. OWC estimates that these projects will create demand for approximately 1,750 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs annually between 2025 and 2040. These jobs will span various phases of the project lifecycle:
- Project Development and Site Studies: Around 200 FTEs annually to support project planning, permitting, and site investigations.
- Supply Chain and Construction: Over 1,300 FTEs annually for component manufacturing, port operations, and offshore construction activities. This figure is expected to peak in the mid-to-late 2030s, potentially reaching several thousand FTEs during peak construction years.
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M): More than 200 FTEs annually from the mid-2030s onward, increasing to over 500 FTEs in the long term.
In addition to job creation, the projects are projected to contribute over €200 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the regional economy annually between 2030 and 2040.
Infrastructure and Investment Needs
While Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s existing infrastructure provides a strong foundation, additional investments will be essential to fully realise the region’s offshore wind potential. Ports, in particular, will require upgrades to handle the demands of large-scale wind farm construction and operations. Enhancing local facilities will not only support current projects but also position the region as a long-term hub for offshore wind activity.
France’s Offshore Wind Roadmap: AO9 and AO10
Recent developments in France’s offshore wind roadmap underscore the country’s commitment to renewable energy. The AO9 tender process is currently underway, while the AO10 auction—offering 9.2 GW of capacity—is set to begin in early 2025. These tenders mark a significant step toward achieving France’s target of generating 20% of its energy from offshore wind by 2050.
At OWC and Innosea, we are proud to support these ambitious goals. Our teams offer a comprehensive range of services, including market studies, bid advisory, geotechnical assessments, cost engineering, and more. With experience in over 330 global offshore wind projects, we bring unparalleled expertise to the table.
Case Study: Economic Impact Assessment for Port Atlantique la Rochelle
OWC recently conducted a detailed supply chain study and economic impact assessment for Port Atlantique la Rochelle, supported by the Agency of Development and Innovation Nouvelle-Aquitaine (ADI Nouvelle-Aquitaine). This case study provides a glimpse into the transformative potential of offshore wind in the region:
- Local Employment: The study estimated an average demand of 1,780 FTEs per year between 2025 and 2040, driven by project development, construction, and O&M activities.
- Supply Chain Capabilities: Over 200 local companies were identified as potential contributors, ranging from site investigation specialists to port operators.
- Infrastructure Needs: The study highlighted the importance of targeted investments in port infrastructure to support large-scale wind farm construction.
These findings underpin the critical role that Nouvelle-Aquitaine can play in France’s offshore wind journey, provided the necessary resources and investments are mobilised.
Partnering for Success
As France continues to advance its offshore wind agenda, the collaboration between regional stakeholders and industry leaders will be crucial. OWC and Innosea, as part of the ABL Group, are uniquely positioned to support clients at every stage of project development. From early-stage market studies to construction and O&M support, our teams are committed to delivering innovative, tailored solutions.
To learn more about how we can assist your offshore wind projects in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and beyond, reach out to our experts:
- Nicolas Larivière-Gillet, Business Development Lead
- Leila Brahmia, Head of Maritime Engineering Consultancy Services
- Juan Frias, Head of Cost Modelling and Auction Advisory Services
- Craig Brown, Head of Market Studies Services
A Vision for the Future
The development of offshore wind in Nouvelle-Aquitaine represents more than just an energy transition; it’s a blueprint for sustainable regional growth. By leveraging its natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location, the region is set to become a cornerstone of France’s renewable energy future. Together, we can harness the power of offshore wind to create a cleaner, greener world.
Craig Brown
OWC Head of Market Studies