The European Commission has approved plans for four demonstration floating wind farms off the coast of France.
The commission found the Groix Belle Ile project, in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Golf du Lion, Eolmed and Provence Grand Large, all located in the Mediterranean Sea, to be in line with EU State aid rules.
The floating wind farms will each be composed of three to four turbines.
Each will have a total installed capacity of 24MW.
The projects will receive both investment aid and operating aid. Part of the investment aid will be paid in the form of repayable advances, the EU said.
The Commission assessed the measures under EU State aid rules, in particular, its Guideline on State Aid for Environmental Protection and Energy.
The French projects will promote the development of a new type of offshore wind energy and the potential growth of a novel renewable energy technology, it said.
In addition, the level of aid granted to the four projects is proportionate and will avoid overcompensation for the beneficiaries of the public support, in line with the requirements of the guidelines.
The Commission concluded that the four projects will promote the use of electricity generated from renewable sources and will help France meet its climate targets, without unduly distorting competition.