Shell has signed an agreement to buy French floating offshore wind developer Eolfi.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory and ministerial approvals and expected to be finalised this December.
“Eolfi has been a pioneer of floating wind development. We believe the union of Eolfi’s expertise and portfolio with Shell’s resources and ability to scale-up will help make electricity a significant business for Shell,” Shell offshore wind vice president Dorine Bosman said.
Eolfi is developing the 28.5MW Groix&Belle Ile floating offshore wind test farm off Brittany. The project will feature three MHI Vestas V164-9.5MW turbines and is scheduled to go live in 2022. The developer is cooperating with CGN Europe Energy and la Banque des Territoires. Naval Energies will be providing the floating platforms.
Upon completion, Eolfi will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shell.
Eolfi employs 65 staff in Paris, Lorient and Marseilles and has developed more than 200 onshore and offshore renewables projects in five countries.