The partners are very pleased with this validation of their innovative technology choices and expertise as a joint venture that aims, alongside both national and local players who are already hard at work, to quickly put floating wind farms on the map as a competitive energy source and part of the overall energy mix for France.

Quickly establishing a competitive French export industry

For this proposal, ENGIE, EDP Renewables, and Caisse des Dépôts, which are already involved in offshore wind farm projects in Le Tréport, Ile d’Yeu-Noirmoutier, allied with top-notch industrial partners offering solid experience in major infrastructure projects and the most promising floater technology.

Located off the coast of Leucate / Le Barcarès, the largest source of offshore wind power in France, the pilot farm will include four GE Haliade 150-6MW turbines combined with semisubmersible floaters designed by Principle Power in Aix-en-Provence and built by Eiffage Métal in Fos-sur-Mer. All of the equipment will be assembled, stored, and shipped from Port-la-Nouvelle in the Aude department of France. Developed in close collaboration with local stakeholders, the project will particularly benefit the Occitania and Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur regions (by diversifying the Fos sur Mer plant to include renewable marine energy sources, for example).

After a detailed studies and consultation phase, the turbines will be built and then come online in 2020, giving a glimpse of the future for the French floating wind farm industry and its competitive position as an exporter.

Floating wind turbines, a technology for tomorrow

Floating wind turbines are an up-and-coming technology that can be installed in deeper, very windy water far from the shore. France’s Mediterranean coast is particularly well suited to the development of this renewable offshore energy source and a perfect test platform for future international markets.