Total has become a 20% shareholder in the 30MW Eolmed floating wind farm pilot project in France.
Located in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Gruissan and near Port-La- Nouvelle in the Occitan region, the project is expected to accelerate the development of a floating wind technology.
Together with Qair, the historical developer and majority shareholder of the project, and its local partners, Total will bring experience in the conception, deployment and exploitation of offshore installations throughout their life cycle.
Total also has a 2GW portfolio of wind farms in South Korea as well as the UK’s 100MW Erebus project, which has just been granted exclusive development rights for its area.
Total director of renewables Julien Pouget said: “This announcement once again demonstrates the Group’s ambition and willingness to innovate in the field of renewable energies.
“Floating offshore wind is a very promising segment in which Total notably brings its extensive experience in offshore projects.
“Together with our partner Qair, we have the necessary resources to meet the technological and financial challenges that will determine our future success.
“I am delighted that Total can contribute to the emergence of this new sector in France.
“The Eolmed project is at the heart of the Occitanie Region’s strategy for the development of renewable energies, actively supported by local partners.
“It also demonstrates Qair’s ambition to become a major player in floating offshore wind energy in Europe.”
Chief executive of Qair Louis Blanchard added: “By joining forces with a renowned French industrial partner for this innovative project developed by our teams since 2016, Qair is strengthening its technical expertise for the realisation of the Eolmed project and for future floating wind projects.”