Ocean Winds has installed the third and final turbine at its 30MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project in France.
Developed in partnership with Banque des Territoires, EFGL (pictured) is now the first floating offshore wind farm in the Occitanie region to complete its offshore turbine installation phase.
With three 10MW turbines installed on floating foundations, Ocean Winds said EFGL demonstrates the viability of floating offshore wind in deeper waters, unlocking high-wind areas previously out of reach.
Assembled at Port-La Nouvelle and towed 16km offshore, the turbines now stand ready for the final stage of cable and grid connection works done by RTE, before starting to deliver clean energy to approximately 50,000 residents each year.
Ocean Winds is an international offshore wind energy company created by EDP Renewables and Engie.
Marc Hirt, country manager for France at Ocean Winds (OW), said: “EFGL is not only a first for France but a global benchmark for floating offshore wind.
“It showcases the industrial maturity, precision, and collaboration needed to bring floating wind to commercial scale.
“For Ocean Winds, this reflects our 15 years of leadership in floating technology. Ocean Winds is eager to keep working in the Occitanie region, proud to be a first step and an example of the beneficial impacts such projects bring, not only in green energy production but also in local dynamism, job opportunities, and a shared sense of pride.”
EFGL project director Jérémy de Barbarin added: “Every phase of EFGL, from design to offshore installation, has been a collective achievement involving local partners, maritime experts, and global innovators.
“With the turbines now installed, we’re looking forward to delivering clean energy and setting a precedent for the next generation of floating wind projects.”
Ocean Winds said the milestone cements its global leadership in floating offshore wind, coming on the heels of five years of operation of its 25MW WindFloat Atlantic project in Portugal.
The successful installation of EFGL now paves the way for larger developments, including the Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie (EFLO), a 250MW floating offshore wind project awarded to Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires in late 2024.
In addition, EFGL is also the world’s first nature-inclusive floating wind farm, with artificial marine habitats (Biohuts) installed at sea to enhance biodiversity.