Orrick Advises the French State (Ministry of Industry & Energy) on Landmark 1.5 GW Offshore Wind Farm Project

Version Française: Orrick a conseillé l'État (Ministère chargé de l'industrie et de l'énergie, Direction générale de l'énergie et du climat) dans le cadre de la procédure d'attribution d'un projet de parc éolien en mer posé au large de la Normandie d'une puissance de 1,5 GW (dite « AO8 »)

Orrick advised the French State in connection with the competitive bidding procedure for the development of an offshore wind farm project off the coast of Normandy. The project was awarded to the Cotentin Energies Marines consortium, composed of TotalEnergies and RWE.

The total investment for the project is estimated at approximately €4.5 billion.

THE IMPACT

With a capacity of 1.5 GW, this will be the largest renewable energy project ever developed in France. Located in the "Centre Manche 2" area more than 40 km off the coast of Normandy, the addition of this wind farm will supply electricity to over 2 million French households. Construction of the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Normandy region, including thousands of jobs.

THE TEAM

The Orrick team consisted of Geoffroy Berthon, Constance Boillotand Lek Regjepaj. Orrick's team worked alongside the French government during the competitive bidding process, particularly on the structuring and regulatory aspects of the procedure and the project, as well as on drafting documentation and liaising with bidders.

The team has also advised on other competitive bidding procedures launched by the French government relating to fixed and floating offshore wind farms as part of its goal to reach 18 GW of offshore wind farms in operation by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050, particularly through the development of floating wind farm projects.

LEARN MORE

• Orrick's 2025 Global Offshore Wind Report
• Read More Orrick Client Results