The French government has cut the subsidies on six long-delayed offshore wind projects by 40% after previously promising a fixed tariff of about €200 ($232) per MWh for 2012-14. The 3 GW of projects were awarded in 20 years but were delayed amid public opposition as the cost of offshore wind plummeted. French energy regulator CRE has said the projects would cost the government €41bn in subsidies. Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot also said via Twitter that the projects’ tariffs would be cut to about €150 per MW.
The French government has cut the subsidies on six long-delayed offshore wind projects by 40% after previously promising a fixed tariff of about €200 ($232) per MWh for 20 years. The 3 GW of projects were awarded in 2012-14 but were delayed amid public opposition as the cost of offshore wind plummeted. French energy regulator CRE has said the projects would cost the government €41bn in subsidies. Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot also said via Twitter that the projects’ tariffs would be cut to about €150 per MW.