PARIS, April 21 (Reuters) - French utility Engie

is in talks with the Trump administration about a

possible refund for its U.S. offshore wind project leases amid

the president's opposition to the technology, CEO Catherine

MacGregor said on Tuesday.

Engie has paused three offshore wind projects in development

and booked impairments for its joint venture Ocean Winds since

Trump returned to the White House last year.

"We'll see about these terms, an agreement is possible

depending on the discussions," MacGregor said at a press

breakfast.

French oil major TotalEnergies has already

redirected nearly $1 billion (850 million euros) from offshore

wind leases to U.S. oil and natural gas production.

Trump has said he finds wind turbines ugly, costly and

inefficient, and his administration has moved to increase

domestic fossil fuel production.

"Economically and also in terms of public acceptance, I

strongly believe in offshore wind power. Of course, you have to

plan the projects well, you have to involve the fishermen,"

MacGregor said.

However, she added that developing offshore wind power in

the United States would remain a challenge as there are no clear

policy guidelines.

"New offshore wind projects are going to be complicated

regardless of the administration," MacGregor said.

(1 euro = $1.1759)