Ocean Winds has successfully installed the first floating wind turbine for its 30MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project off the coast of Occitanie, France.
The 10MW unit, assembled at Port-La Nouvelle, was towed 16km offshore and secured at its final site in the French Mediterranean.
Two additional turbines are scheduled for installation this summer, with full commissioning expected by the end of August.
EFGL is a pilot project developed by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, in partnership with Banque des Territoires.
Each of the three turbines will be mounted on floating foundations and anchored by nine mooring lines, providing enough electricity to power around 50,000 people.
Marc Hirt, country manager for Ocean Winds in France, said: “This first installation at sea is a clear demonstration of Ocean Winds’ long-standing commitment to floating offshore wind.
“EFGL represents a significant step forward for floating wind in the Occitanie region, and for the future of offshore wind in France.”
EFGL project director Jérémy de Barbarin added: “This successful operation highlights the precision, expertise, and strong collaboration required for floating wind projects.”
Ocean Winds said the milestone reinforces its global leadership in floating wind, which includes experience from WindFloat Atlantic and projects under development in Scotland, Korea and France, including the 250MW EFLO project in the Mediterranean.