Ingka Investments and Oxan Energy have jointly prequalified for the four zones for France’s offshore wind tender n°9.

Total capacity is 2.5 GW mainly floating offshore wind, at South Britanny (400-550 MW); offshore Occitanie, on France’s south-western coast in the Mediterranean Sea (450-550 MW); offshore Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur (450-550 MW); and South Atlantic (1,000-1,250 MW).

In the latter case, development could be either bottom-fixed or floating offshore wind.

Ingka Group has invested in over 10 GW offshore wind capacity currently under development across six countries, In France it has a portfolio of onshore wind developments, a recently operational solar farm and more than 57 000 solar panels fitted at more than 23 IKEA furniture stores and warehouses.

Oxan Energy has participated in previous tenders and projects of floating offshore wind in France and worldwide.

Pre-qualification represents the start of the competitive dialogue process, in which the relevant French authorities will outline the tender rules, and define more closely the maritime zones where the four projects will be located.

All are set to be awarded in the fall of 2025 and commissioned between 2032 and 2034.

Last month, France’s Government issued marine spatial plans for the offshore wind tender n°10 which is due to be opened in the next few months, adding 8.4-9.2 GW of new offshore wind capacity.