French renewable power producer Qair, in collaboration with technology developer BW Ideol and energy company TotalEnergies SE, has inked a pivotal deal with national transmission system operator Reseau de Transport d'Electricite (RTE) for the grid-connection of the 30-MW Eolmed floating wind park off the southern French coast.
The contract marks a significant step forward for the project, facilitating the integration of the floating electrical hub buoy, which was installed months ago. In a joint statement released on Friday, Qair outlined the importance of this partnership in advancing the renewable energy sector in France.
Additionally, Prysmian SpA, a prominent cable manufacturer, has announced the successful completion of the submarine cable installation, spanning a 23-km route to connect the wind farm with the onshore grid.
Located 18 km off Gruissan, in southern France's Occitania region, the Eolmed pilot park boasts three V164-10.0 MW turbines by Denmark's Vestas Wind Systems, mounted on steel floats. Construction commenced in April last year, with the wind farm slated to become operational by 2025.
Once operational, Eolmed is poised to become France's largest floating offshore wind site, projected to generate ample power to meet the annual demand of approximately 50,000 households.
