French energy regulator CRE has prequalified ten bidders to go forward to the next stage for the up-to 750MW offshore wind farm off the coast of Dunkirk – expected to come online in 2022.

The ten bidders, according to a document released by the French Ministry of Environment and Energy, are: Elicio; Iberdrola with RES Group; Statoil; Engie with EDPR; Vattenfall; InControl France; Parkwind with Valeco; Deme Concessions Wind; Boralex with CMI5i Pastor; and EDF Energies Nouvelles with Innogy and Enbridge.

CRE [the Energy Regulatory Commission] says the next phase of the process is the so-called “competitive dialogue” with the state, regulator and grid operator to help agree on the precise bidding conditions for the wind farm project.

According to the CRE timetable this stage of the competitive dialogue is scheduled to be completed no later than October 2017. However, this timeframe may be extended if the French government deems it necessary.

The purpose of this dialogue is to clarify with the ten bidders the specifications and sharing of responsibilities during the construction and operational phases of the wind farm.

During this phase the government will make available technical data, including wind measurements, geophysical surveys and environmental studies.

The CRE says at end of this dialogue phase, companies will be invited to submit their bids. These will be assessed on the price proposed; the optimisation of the occupied area; and consideration of environmental issues.

The government expects bidders to propose innovative solutions to make the best use of the proposed area off Dunkirk, taking into account local environmental and maritime safety issues.

Dunkirk is part of France’s third round of tenders for the development of offshore wind unveiled in April 2016. The winning bidder is expected to be announced in 2018.

The French government aims to have 500MW installed off its coasts by 2018, and 3GW by 2023, with between 500MW and 6GW in additional capacity tendered by that year.

Wind

France prequalifies ten for Dunkirk offshore wind round