The Astenn Avel consortium, initially formed by Elicio and Q ENERGY, has added French renewables group Valorem to its joint bid for the AO9 floating offshore wind tender off southern Brittany.
The proposed 500 MW project will be located near the existing Pennavel (AO5) site by Groix and Belle-Île-en-Mer, with commissioning planned between 2032 and 2033.
Valorem’s inclusion brings enhanced expertise in regional coordination, technical design, and socio-economic development, the consortium said.
“We are proud to join Elicio and Q ENERGY within Astenn Avel,” said Olivier Angoulevant, director of offshore development at Valorem. “This project is a major opportunity for French industry.”
Elicio’s development director Emmanuel Van Vyve highlighted the consortium’s complementary strengths and local focus. “With Q ENERGY and Valorem, we share the desire to carry out a coordinated, robust and locally rooted project.”
Q ENERGY’s offshore director Ken Ilacqua added: “With the support of this major player in renewable energy in France, we want to develop a project that respects environmental issues and will be an asset for the energy independence of Brittany and France.”
The consortium said it will engage transparently with local stakeholders, prioritising coexistence with sea users including fishers, and maximising local economic benefits through employment, training, and industrial activity.
Elicio currently operates over 2.3 GW of offshore wind capacity globally, including 1.2 GW in operation, and holds the AO5 site award. Q ENERGY has been active in French renewables for more than 25 years and co-developed one of France’s first offshore wind farms at Saint-Brieuc. Valorem brings over a decade of offshore wind experience and a strong community focus.
The AO9 tender is part of France’s broader strategy to accelerate floating wind deployment and build regional supply chains in support of its climate and energy targets.
