Assembled at Port-La Nouvelle in the Occitanie region, the initial turbine was towed by a specialized maritime convoy to its designated location, 16 kilometers off Leucate and Barcarès. The turbine is one of three Vestas V164-10.0 MW units, each mounted on Principle Power’s WindFloat semi-submersible floating foundations, supplied by Eiffage Métal, Smulders, and their subcontractor Geodis. The remaining two turbines are scheduled for installation soon, with Ocean Winds anticipating the completion of the 30 MW pilot wind farm by the end of August.
The EFGL project serves as a pilot to refine floating offshore wind technology, providing insights for future developments, such as the 250 MW Éoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie (EFLO) project, also led by Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires. By testing innovative solutions, EFGL aims to enhance the scalability and efficiency of floating wind farms in the region.
Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires are also advancing two fixed-bottom offshore wind projects in France. The 500 MW Îles d’Yeu – Noirmoutier wind farm, currently in the turbine installation phase, has begun generating electricity. Meanwhile, the 500 MW Dieppe Le Tréport project recently completed the installation of its offshore substation, with the placement of jacket foundations for the turbines scheduled next. These initiatives reflect the partners’ commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity in France.
The EFGL floating wind farm underscores France’s efforts to integrate clean energy solutions into its energy mix. By leveraging advanced floating turbine technology, the project supports sustainable electricity generation and contributes to regional economic growth through local port activity and supply chain engagement. The successful installation of the first turbine highlights the collaborative expertise of Ocean Winds, Banque des Territoires, and their partners in delivering innovative offshore wind infrastructure.
The completion of the EFGL pilot project will pave the way for larger-scale floating wind farms, positioning the Mediterranean as a hub for renewable energy innovation. Ocean Winds and its partners continue to drive progress in France’s offshore wind sector, balancing environmental goals with reliable energy production.
