Total Pitches for Offshore Renewable Market

Oil and gas giant Total said it plans a major move into renewables, as part of a consortium bidding for the Dunkirk offshore wind farm project in France.

The French energy firm is partnering with Denmark’s Orsted and renewable specialist Elicio to submit a bid for the 600-megawatt capacity project.

"Total's participation in this offshore wind bid is in line with our strategy to develop low-carbon electricity business in Europe. Our recognized offshore oil and gas know-how combined with Ørsted market-leading expertise across the offshore wind energy value chain, as well as that of Elicio, an experienced developer qualified from the beginning of the bid, provide a solid foundation for success of a safe and competitive project,” said Philippe Sauquet, president gas, renewables and power at Total.

 

Commissioning 2022

The winning bid for the project is expected to be selected in mid-2019, with the wind farm scheduled to come online in 2022.

“Offshore wind can contribute significantly to France’s renewable energy targets. As the world-leading offshore wind developer, we bring an unparalleled track record in developing, constructing and operating offshore wind farms to the consortium, and the combined competencies of Ørsted, Total and Elicio are ideal to help France unleash its significant potential for developing clean power from offshore wind,” said Martin Neubert, CEO of Ørsted Offshore.

If successful in its bid, Total will be among a growing number of multinational oil companies seeking to diversify into large-scale wind, driving breakbulk activity in the nascent sector.

 

Six Offshore Wind Farms Planned

The ambitious Dunkirk project is part of a French drive to increase offshore renewables and is expected to be the first of six offshore wind farms with public funding exceeding €20 billion.

“Wind energy has significant growth potential in France and is at the heart of Elicio’s strategy to contribute towards a cleaner and cost-effective energy powered world. Further to Elicio’s successful pre-selection for the French round 3 competitive dialogue and by joining our unique expertise and experience, we are committed, with our partners Total and Ørsted, to making this tender a milestone in the French offshore wind sector,” said Emile Dumont, president of Elicio France.

Photo: Offshore wind farm France. Credit: Wikimedia