Ocean Winds has successfully installed the first floating wind turbine for its 30-megawatt (MW) Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project off the coast of Occitanie, France, the company said on Thursday.
The 10 MW turbine, assembled at Port-La Nouvelle, was towed 16 kilometres offshore and secured at its final location in the French Mediterranean. Two more turbines are planned for installation this summer, with full commissioning expected by the end of August.
EFGL is a pilot project developed by Ocean Winds — a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie — in partnership with Banque des Territoires. Each turbine is mounted on a floating foundation anchored by nine mooring lines, collectively providing enough electricity to power approximately 50,000 homes.
Marc Hirt, country manager for Ocean Winds in France, said, “This first installation at sea is a clear demonstration of Ocean Winds’ long-standing commitment to floating offshore wind. EFGL represents a significant step forward for floating wind in the Occitanie region, and for the future of offshore wind in France.”
Jérémy de Barbarin, EFGL project director, added, “This successful operation highlights the precision, expertise, and strong collaboration required for floating wind projects.”
Ocean Winds said the milestone reinforces its position as a global leader in floating wind, building on experience from projects such as WindFloat Atlantic and ongoing developments in Scotland, South Korea, and France, including the 250 MW EFLO project in the Mediterranean.
