The offshore wind and marine renewables sectors in France offer business opportunities for small and medium-sized companies with the right policy support, delegates at the Seanergy conference in Dunkirk heard today.
Dunkirk community counsellor for renewables development Jean-Luc Darcourt (pictured) told the gathering that the sectors are at a turning point, while the port will be at the heart of the country’s energy transition.
France will soon reveal the winner of the Round 3 offshore wind competition for an up to 600MW project off the coast of Dunkirk, he noted.
European Commission Maritime Affairs policy officer Xavier Guillou said Europe was the centre of the world for the offshore wind sector.
But the region needs to maintain visibility and keep dynamic in the medium and long term, he said.
Guillou added that for the EU region to meet the 32% renewable energy consumption target by 2030, increased cross-border cooperation is needed.