France outlines offshore wind turbine tax
FRANCE: The French government has issued a decree stipulating how a business tax levied on offshore wind turbines will be allocated with a view to helping local communities.
The tax, introduced in 2006, currently stands at €13,623/MW per year. Half the sum will go to coastal communities within view of the turbines, up to a maximum of 12 nautical miles.
The share paid to each municipality will be calculated according to the population and distance from the turbines.
The National Committee for Marine Fisheries and Marine Farming will receive 35% to support projects promoting the sustainable use of fisheries resources.
Finally, 15% will go to projects "contributing to the sustainable development of maritime activities," defined as sailing, water sports and aquaculture.
The idea is that local communities are more likely to support projects if they benefit directly.
France, which has no offshore facilities to date, is targeting 6GW by 2020. Last year the government launched a tender for 3GW.
