Wind energy continues to expand across France. According to the latest figures published by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, total installed wind power capacity reached 26.7 gigawatts (GW) as of June 30, 2026, including 24.4 GW from onshore wind farms and 2.3 GW from offshore installations. During the first six months of the year, an additional 0.8 GW of capacity was connected to the grid.
This growth is part of France’s broader strategy to diversify its electricity sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In 2025, wind turbines generated 49.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, accounting for approximately 9.1% of national electricity production, according to data from French transmission system operator RTE.
One of wind energy’s main advantages is its ability to generate electricity without burning coal, oil or natural gas. It therefore contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, although the manufacturing, transportation and installation of wind turbines also have an environmental footprint.
Offshore Wind Power Gains Momentum
The expansion of offshore wind farms represents one of the most significant developments in the French renewable energy sector. In 2025, France’s offshore wind facilities generated 5.7 TWh of electricity, an increase of nearly 43% compared with the previous year.
This growth reflects the increasing contribution of wind farms located off the French coast. Following the commissioning of projects at Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Brieuc and Fécamp, the Îles d’Yeu and Noirmoutier offshore wind farm began generating electricity in 2025.
Development continued during the first half of 2026, particularly with the commissioning of additional turbines at the Dieppe-Le Tréport offshore wind farm and two pilot floating wind farms in the Mediterranean, near Leucate and Gruissan.
Offshore wind farms generally benefit from stronger and more consistent winds than onshore installations, allowing them to achieve higher electricity production levels. However, they also require substantial investment in infrastructure, grid connections and maintenance operations.
Ambitious Targets for 2035
Under France’s third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE), adopted in February 2026, the government intends to accelerate the development of wind energy. The strategy sets a target of between 35 and 40 GW of installed onshore wind capacity by 2035, alongside 15 GW of offshore capacity.
For onshore wind energy, public authorities are placing particular emphasis on upgrading existing installations. This approach involves replacing older turbines with newer, more efficient models capable of generating more electricity.
However, the industry’s expansion continues to face significant obstacles. In 2025, newly installed onshore wind capacity fell to its lowest level since 2013, according to RTE. Administrative procedures, planning restrictions and local opposition can all delay the construction of new projects.
The impact of wind turbines on landscapes and biodiversity is another source of concern. The French Biodiversity Office has highlighted the risks that certain installations pose to birds and bats. Measures such as temporarily slowing down or stopping turbines under specific conditions can help reduce these impacts.
Another major challenge is adapting the electricity system to the growing share of renewable energy. Unlike power plants whose output can be adjusted according to demand, wind turbines depend on weather conditions. Their integration therefore requires complementary electricity sources, energy storage solutions and mechanisms that encourage consumers to use electricity when renewable generation is abundant.
For France, the future development of wind energy will depend on finding a balance between energy ambitions, industrial capacity and local acceptance of new projects. Alongside nuclear, hydropower and solar energy, wind power is expected to play an increasingly important role in the country’s electricity production over the coming years.
