Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 5, Ocean Winds has successfully completed the installation of the third and final turbine at its 30MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project in France. Developed in partnership with Banque des Territoires, EFGL is now the first floating offshore wind farm in the Occitanie region to finish its offshore turbine installation stage.

The project consists of three 10MW turbines mounted on floating foundations. Ocean Winds stated that EFGL highlights the potential of floating offshore wind technology to access deeper waters with strong wind resources that were previously out of reach. The turbines were assembled at Port-La Nouvelle and transported 16 kilometers offshore, where they are now in position. The final stage of cable and grid connection works, managed by RTE, is underway before the wind farm begins supplying renewable electricity to about 50,000 residents annually.

Ocean Winds is a global offshore wind developer jointly owned by EDP Renewables and Engie. The company emphasized that EFGL reflects more than a decade of expertise in floating wind technology and showcases the sector’s readiness to move toward commercial-scale projects.

Marc Hirt, country manager for France at Ocean Winds, said: “EFGL is not only a first for France but a global benchmark for floating offshore wind. It showcases the industrial maturity, precision, and collaboration needed to bring floating wind to commercial scale. For Ocean Winds, this reflects our 15 years of leadership in floating technology. Ocean Winds is eager to keep working in the Occitanie region, proud to be a first step and an example of the beneficial impacts such projects bring, not only in green energy production but also in local dynamism, job opportunities, and a shared sense of pride.”

EFGL project director Jérémy de Barbarin added: “Every phase of EFGL, from design to offshore installation, has been a collective achievement involving local partners, maritime experts, and global innovators. With the turbines now installed, we’re looking forward to delivering clean energy and setting a precedent for the next generation of floating wind projects.”

The milestone builds on Ocean Winds’ earlier achievements, including the WindFloat Atlantic project in Portugal, a 25MW floating wind farm that has been operational for five years. EFGL’s success strengthens Ocean Winds’ leadership in floating offshore wind and positions the company for future large-scale developments.

Looking ahead, Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires are preparing for the 250MW Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie (EFLO) project, awarded in late 2024. EFGL is also recognized as the world’s first nature-inclusive floating wind farm, with artificial marine habitats, known as Biohuts, installed to enhance local biodiversity.

The completion of EFGL’s turbine installation represents a key step for France’s renewable energy expansion and sets the foundation for larger floating wind initiatives worldwide.