The 30 MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) floating offshore wind farm off France’s Mediterranean coast is now fully operational, according to Ocean Winds (OW), the project owner and developer.
Featuring three 10 MW turbines 16 kilometers off the Occitanie coast on semi-submersible floaters, this pilot project by Ocean Winds, in partnership with Banque des Territoires, underscores the potential of floating offshore wind technology. Ocean Winds, founded by EDP Renewables and ENGIE, is the majority shareholder.
The company has emphasized the importance of building a robust local supply chain, with 99% of suppliers in Europe, 85% of which are French or France-based, and 60% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Craig Windram, CEO at Ocean Winds, remarked: “Floating offshore wind will be crucial in the energy mix of countries with deep coastal waters like France. EFGL’s full power status demonstrates Ocean Winds’ capability to deliver complex projects alongside national and local stakeholders.”
The project is now fully operational, supporting over 20 local workers at a dedicated operations and maintenance (O&M) base in Port-La Nouvelle. It is set to produce approximately 110,000 MWh annually, powering about 50,000 inhabitants for 20 years.
Marc Hirt, Country Manager for France at Ocean Winds, commented: “EFGL proves floating offshore wind is a current reality in France, highlighting French and European expertise and the strategic role of the Mediterranean in offshore wind development.”
The wind farm integrates advanced engineering to foster marine biodiversity, including artificial marine habitats (Biohut®) by Ecocean, marking it as the world’s first nature-inclusive floating wind farm.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz