Prospects for carbon-free power is getting a double boost in Europe. France is about to procure an estimated $14-billion of offshore wind farms. And the U.K. is setting itself tough greenhouse gas targets, increasing its reliance on renewable and nuclear energy.
Three of France’s biggest engineering companies have formed an alliance to bid this month or next for a slice of 3,000-MW of offshore wind power the government plans to have in operation by 2015. Another 3,000-MW is due to follow five years later.