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New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Wind picks up in western Europe after EU approves €63bn French state aid scheme
20/7/2026
News
The European Commission has approved a €63bn French state aid scheme for offshore wind energy production. The French framework was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, which runs until 31 December 2030, and will run for 25 years.
France, reportedly will use the multi-billion budget to fund the construction and operation of 11 offshore wind farms. Developers will place these 11 wind installations across the North Sea, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, to deliver a combined capacity of up to 11.1GW.
The completed maritime grid will generate up to 47.8TWh of renewable electricity per year, supplying around 10.6% of the annual electricity consumption of France. The Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework uses a two-way contract for difference (CfD) that provides operators with a variable premium. For three specific wind farms, this new framework replaces a temporary support scheme that the Commission previously approved in August 2025.
‘Today’s decision clears the way for France's offshore wind support scheme,’ stated Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, adding that France will continue working towards a fully decarbonised energy system.
First operation of a Chinese wind turbine in Spain
In Spain, the Zuera Autoconsumo project has entered commercial operation as a localised deployment of technology on the Iberian Peninsula. This project marks the first commercial deployment of a Chinese 6.25MW wind turbine within the country, supplied by Sany Renewable Energy.
Construction teams completed the physical installation of this turbine in eight days, allowing technicians to finish the subsequent commissioning of the wind equipment in three days. The operational turbine now generates green electricity exclusively for self-consumption and local use. Sany’s local service team will manage the full life-cycle operation and maintenance of the machinery.
