Project Overview

The Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm is a renewable energy project located in the English Channel off the coast of France. It is also called the Dunkirk offshore wind farm project. Developed by the Eoliennes en mer de Dunkerque, it has a power generation capacity of 600 MW.

The project is in the permitting stage and is expected to start construction in 2026. Upon its operation (expected by 2028), the Dunkirk wind farm is expected to generate over 2.3 TWh of electricity annually. It is enough to power one million people or a third of the Nord department.

The farm covers an area of 50 km² and comprises approximately 46 offshore wind turbines mounted on fixed monopile foundations. These turbines are positioned approximately 10 km off the coast of Dunkirk and at least 11.4 km off the coast of the seaside towns on either side of the border with Belgium.

Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm Location

The Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm project is located in the English Channel, off the coast of Dunkirk in northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. The site spans approximately 50 km², positioned at least 10 km offshore from Dunkirk and 11.4 km from nearby Belgian border towns.

Project Background

The Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm project emerged from a competitive tender process held by the French Government. It boosts the offshore wind capacity as part of its energy transition goals, aiming to generate 40% of renewable electricity by 2030. In June 2019, the French government awarded the project to the Éoliennes en Mer de Dunkerque (EMD) consortium.

The project made multiple adjustments, including increasing the minimum distance from coastal towns (especially near the Belgian border) to 11.4 km, during a public debate held between September and December 2020.

In May 2021, EMD and RTE announced the continuation of development after public debates ending in December 2020. Environmental studies and consultations advanced thereafter.

The significant public inquiry occurred from April 8 to May 18, 2024, addressing Belgian concerns on shipping and visuals. This led to the Prefect of Nord's approval on February 14, 2025.

Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm Project Current Status

The wind farm project is in the advanced permitting and pre-construction phase. It has completed public inquiries and has successfully signed multiple infrastructure contracts. Construction of the project is expected to start in 2026 and be operational by 2028.

Project Ownership Details

The wind farm is developed by the Eoliennes en mer de Dunkerque (EMD) consortium, a joint venture between EDF Renewables (40% stake), Enbridge (30% stake), and RWE Renewables (30% stake).

Project Timeline

Project Scope

The following is the project scope of the Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm.

• Grid Connection: It comprises the offshore substation (transforming voltage to 225 kV), dual submarine/underground export cables (~20-25 km), and an onshore substation near Dunkerque.
  

• Turbines & Foundations: It comprises 46 wind turbines on fixed monopile foundations, interconnected by 66kV inter-array cables.
  

• Power Generation Capacity: The project is expected to produce 2.3 TWh of electricity annually. It is enough to power one million people or a third of the Nord department.
  

• Offshore Substations: Collects and steps up turbine output from 66kV to 225kV.​
  

• Export Cables: Dual 225kV submarine (20-25km) and underground cables to an onshore substation near Dunkirk, linked to the existing grid.
  

Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm Project Cost

The total estimated cost for the development and construction of the Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm project, including its electrical connection, is approximately EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.64 billion).

Capital expenditure includes the costs of development, studies, supply, assembly, testing, installation, and commissioning of the wind farm components and their connection, as well as insurance costs during the construction period.

Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm Contractors

Benefits

The following are the benefits of the project:

• France’s Renewable Electricity Goal: The Dunkerque Offshore project aligns with France’s target to generate 40% of renewable electricity by 2030, with carbon-free power at a competitive strike price of EUR 44/MWh.
  

• Multiple Job Opportunity: The project is expected to create up to 850 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs during its construction phase. It will generate over 50 permanent jobs upon its operation at Dunkirk’s maintenance hub.
  

• Boost Local Economy: Port utilization at Grand Port Maritime de Dunkerque and supply chain investments totaling EUR 1.4 billion ultimately boost the local economy in the French region.
  

• Reduce CO2 Emissions: The project will significantly reduce CO2 emissions by providing steady offshore wind power from a site with strong winds and shallow waters under 30m.​
  

• Boost Regional Energy Security: The wind farm boosts regional energy security through RTE’s robust grid integration, including an offshore substation and 225kV export cables.

Conclusion

The Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm is a renewable energy project located off the coast of France. Also known as the Dunkirk offshore wind farm project, it is a part of the French Government’s aim to generate 40% of renewable electricity by 2030.

The project, being in the advanced permitting stage, is expected to start construction in 2026 and become fully operational by 2028. It will generate over 2.3 TWh of electricity annually, enough to power approximately one million people or a third of the Nord department.

Delivering 600 MW of clean power to support national decarbonization, the farm reinforces energy security at a low strike price of €44/MWh, setting a model for regional economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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