France’s renewable energy sector is at a critical juncture. Having missed its 2020 renewable energy targets, the French government has responded with an ambitious new energy roadmap, the PPE3, confirmed as recently as February 2026 and setting firm targets through to 2050. Offshore wind and solar PV sit at the heart of that plan, with France targeting 48 GW of solar PV capacity and 31 GW of onshore wind by 2030, followed by 15 GW of offshore wind by 2035 (S&P Global). With a significant amount of ground to cover in a short space of time, the opportunity for UK and international developers and partners to get involved has never been more compelling.
Local Knowledge of the French Renewable Energy Market
To support clients looking to move into this market, B&P has brought on board consultant Cédric Gerbier, building on our growing International Business Development team. Cédric is the co-founder and former CEO of Locogen France and an active member of the Global Scot business network, with over 20 years of experience in renewable energy across France and the UK. But beyond the credentials, what Cédric brings is something that’s genuinely hard to find: a deep understanding of how the French market works, how to build the right relationships from day one, and how to turn that knowledge into real opportunities for incoming developers.
Perfect Timing to Support Key Targets
This February, France confirmed its support for offshore wind and solar PV development with the release of its energy strategy plan to the 2050 horizon. France initiated its energy transition over two decades ago and is currently significantly behind target, but seems committed to accelerating and making up for the accumulated delay, making this an ideal opportunity for B&P to implement its market entry plan.
At B&P, we have already demonstrated our capacity to adapt our proven business model and approaches to successfully deliver projects for our clients across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We fully understand the nature of the commitment required and the challenges associated with opening this new, highly competitive and mature market, often characterised by its administrative red tape and sluggishness. However, we strongly believe that our UK-style approach to development, our successful track record liaising with fisheries and developers, and our extremely powerful GIS capability makes us ideally positioned to add value to the already existing local supply chains. We are extremely excited to meet the local players, demonstrate our know-how and can-do attitude, and build a strong long term presence in a new, neighbouring friendly country.
How B&P Can Support Your Entry into the French Energy Market
We are already active in France, working with a major solar developer to source new opportunities, and we recently completed a project exploring market entry across multiple global markets and continents. If you are looking to do the same, here is how we can help:
- Geospatial analysis and land referencing: Identifying and assessing viable sites across France with precision, using our industry-leading GIS capability
- Stakeholder liaison and management: Building the local relationships that are essential for getting projects off the ground in the French market
- Land acquisition: Navigating the complexities of French land and securing the right agreements in the right locations
- Marine and offshore liaison: Specialist support for developers looking to capitalise on France’s growing offshore wind pipeline
Ready to Explore the French Renewable Energy Market?
France’s energy transition is gathering pace, and the window for developers and partners to establish a strong position in the market is open right now. If you are a UK or international developer looking to take advantage of the opportunities on offer, we would love to have that conversation with you.
Reach out to Cédric directly and let’s talk about what’s possible: