EnBW has created a new subsidiary for the French offshore wind market.
The new company, called EnBW Valeco Offshore SAS (EVO), will participate in upcoming French offshore wind auctions, the company said.
EVO will combine the “financial strength of a major European energy company”, EnBW, with the “know-how of a long-standing developer of onshore renewable energy projects in France” to break into the French offshore sector.
“The foundation of the new company reflects the major commitment by EnBW,” said EVO managing director Pauline Bertrand.
“Supported from the outset by Valeco and financially backed by our parent company EnBW, EVO is entirely dedicated to offshore wind, capable of supporting the projects of tomorrow in France,” she added.
France has launched the AO9 call for tenders for some 2.5GW worth of capacity and has planned a new call for tenders in 2025.
The country has plans for add additional 10GW by 2035, and an ambition of 45GW by 2050.
EnBW has a total installed capacity of about 1GW, and a further 960MW under construction in the North Sea.
In collaboration with BP, EnBW develops wind farms with a planned total capacity of almost 6 GW off the British coast.
“France is the main strategic market of EnBW outside Germany,” EVO managing director Pascal Sommer said.
“EVO reflects our expertise in the offshore wind power sector. We are committed to long term presence in France.”