Total, Danish Orsted, and Belgian Elicio, a renewable energy producer pre-selected by the French Energy Regulatory Commission, announced the formation of a consortium on Monday to submit a joint bid for the Dunkirk offshore wind farm project in northern France with a power capacity of up to 600 megawatts.
'Total's participation in this offshore wind bid is in line with our strategy to develop low-carbon electricity business in Europe,' said Philippe Sauquet, president of Gas, Renewables and Power at Total.
'Our recognized offshore oil and gas know-how combined with Orsted's 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,' he added.
Orsted Offshore CEO Martin Neubert said offshore wind could provide a significant contribution 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 Orsted, Total and Elicio are ideal to help France unleash its significant potential for developing clean power from offshore wind,' he added.
Also commenting on the acquisition, Emile Dumont, president of Elicio France, said wind energy has a 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 Orsted, to making this tender a milestone in the French offshore wind sector,' he said.
France aims to meet 23 percent of its total energy needs through renewables by 2020.
By Hale Turkes
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr