Developing marine renewable energy

With the growing need to diversify energy sources, marine renewable energy (MRE) has become a key pillar of the energy transition. These technologies offer a long-term alternative to fossil fuels. We are actively involved in the rollout of MRE by supporting the development of dedicated infrastructure and contributing to a sustainable maritime economy.

The importance of marine renewable energy on the Atlantic coast

MRE offers a major opportunity for decarbonisation through the production of low-carbon electricity. Offshore wind is currently the most advanced MRE sector.

Ideal location and infrastructure

The Atlantic coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine has huge potential for developing MRE. Alongside favourable climate and marine conditions, large-scale projects can count on the capacity of our four regional ports.

Logistics support

Our ports play a crucial role by offering dedicated areas for building, assembling, and shipping components. Thanks to detailed planning and the financial investments of our members, port infrastructure is customised for each project’s specific needs.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s strategic logistics hubs

With their strategic positioning along the southern Atlantic coast, our ports are ideally placed to streamline transport and manufacturing processes. We provide end-to-end logistics for delivering innovative projects.

Production

The Port of Bayonne, at the heart of a major industrial area, is a key site for manufacturing.

Assembly

The ports of Bordeaux and La Rochelle offer major infrastructure for on-site component assembly.

Receiving

As a local port, Port Charente Atlantique provides centralised receiving services for components such as anchors and chains.

Transport

La Rochelle serves as the logistics hub for transporting infrastructure to offshore sites, as demonstrated in the Saint-Nazaire and Yeu-Noirmoutier wind farms.

Supporting the energy transition

The role of Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s ports is not limited to supporting the installation of marine renewable energy projects. They also act as critical logistics hubs for the ongoing maintenance and operation of offshore wind farms. They accommodate specialised vessels and logistics hubs for maintenance, making them key players in the long-term success of the sector. New infrastructure investments are already being explored to further support the energy transition.

The ports are actively involved in these projects. Installing offshore wind farms has already led to infrastructure upgrades, including:

Do you have a project?

Contact us

Industrial development and long-term benefits

The rise of marine renewable energy is turning coastal areas into key hubs of innovation and growth. By promoting local, low-carbon energy production, these projects are strengthening the regions’ ability to respond to environmental and economic challenges. They are also helping to create entirely new industrial sectors.

Integrating projects into port decarbonisation plans

From an environmental standpoint, developing marine renewables reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports a more resilient, sustainable energy network. For example, the Port of Bayonne aims to supply 20% of the Basque Country’s electricity needs through wave power.

Boosting the regional economy

The growth of marine renewable energy is helping to build a strong, local industrial ecosystem. Rooted in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, this sector is driving the development of new expertise in engineering, construction, and maritime logistics.

Our other missions