Overview

• The 1‑gigawatt OL1 project off Île d’Oléron drew zero offers by the close of applications, prompting the Ministry of the Economy and Finance to declare the tender unsuccessful.
• It is the first failed offshore wind tender on France’s coasts, casting uncertainty over the Bay of Biscay rollout.
• The site’s fixed‑bottom design at roughly 70 meters depth posed exceptional technical and cost challenges for developers.
• A €100/MWh price ceiling set before recent cost pressures was viewed as not sufficiently attractive, according to the Charente‑Maritime prefect.
• Local resistance over fishing, seascape and ecosystem impacts remained strong, and industry figures now say the 2032 in‑service date is unattainable and warn of knock‑on risks for OL2 and Golfe de Gascogne Nord as they seek long‑term clarity from the state.