Marine energy capacity in France 2008-2023

In 2023, marine energy capacity in France amounted to 212 megawatts. France was ahead of most countries in the race to marine energy, although its marine power production decreased in the last few years. In 2014 and 2016, the marine energy capacity reached its peak with 220 megawatts of maximum production capacity. 

Ocean power capacity

Despite its rise, marine energy capacity still represents a small share of the total renewable capacity in France. In 2022, France could produce around 65.4 gigawatts of renewable electricity. Marine energy has known a worldwide ongoing development, especially after 2010. Indeed, global marine energy capacity doubled between 2010 and 2011. It grew slowly since then and amounted to 524 megawatts in 2022.

Ocean energy

Ocean energy accounts for both marine energy and offshore wind energy. In 2022, the operational capacity of offshore wind turbines in France amounted to roughly 480 megawatts, while projects for 970 megawatts of offshore wind power were under construction. More recent technologies like sea thermal energy were still on the fringe of the industry.