The German energy company RWE is ending its involvement in the French offshore wind business. In August, the company informed its employees of the withdrawal. The move represents a setback for France’s energy transition, as a major international player is abandoning its projects. Onshore projects, however, continue unchanged. (revolution-energetique: 12.09.25)
Tenders and Project Awards Unsuccessful
RWE failed to secure any offshore wind power project awards in France. Despite repeated participation in competitions, no contracts were awarded. This left the foundation for developing the offshore wind business profitably in the country without a foundation. Financial risks also burdened the planning.
The company’s management drew the necessary conclusions. Without sufficient prospects for success, remaining in the French offshore market did not seem sensible. Combined with the unclear political framework, the decision was made to withdraw from this sector.
Political Uncertainty and the Energy Transition in France
Energy policy in France is hampering investments in renewable energies. The process for the Pluriannuelle Energy Programming (PPE) stalled after the government’s fall. Without an adopted decree, there are no reliable expansion targets. This also blocks the award of projects for the tenth offshore wind power competition, as this would exceed the existing limits.
Companies like RWE are therefore losing planning security. For investors, this situation means that the offshore wind business in France remains difficult to predict.
Warnings from the Offshore Wind Power Industry
Pierre Peysson, RWE’s Director of Offshore Wind France, made it clear last year: “A moratorium on offshore wind power would be a social disaster, a loss of jobs, and a mistake for both the industrial and energy sector.” This assessment demonstrates the industry’s dependence on clear political decisions.
The industry association Syndicat des énergies renouvelables (SER) also shared these concerns. The alliance called for concrete prospects for renewable energies. Investments have stagnated due to a lack of clear guidelines. This weakens not only the companies but also France’s energy transition as a whole.
Renewable Energy Gap Widens
France is already struggling to meet the targets set by the EU. RWE’s withdrawal from the offshore wind business is widening the gap. Other countries are consistently pushing ahead with offshore wind power, while France is neglecting important opportunities.
Without new impetus, France’s energy transition will fall further behind. A lack of project awards, political blockades, and uncertainty are hindering investments in renewable energies. RWE’s withdrawal demonstrates how urgently stable framework conditions are needed to retain investors in the offshore sector.