Ocean Winds has begun electricity production at the Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) floating offshore wind farm, a 30 MW facility located off the coast of Port-La Nouvelle in southern France. This development marks the company’s first floating project in the country and is a leading European offshore wind energy project.
With three 10 MW wind turbines installed on floating platforms, the park is located approximately 16 kilometers offshore in the deep waters of the Mediterranean. The project thus demonstrates the technical viability of this technology in complex environments where fixed solutions are not feasible.
Renewable energy generation for thousands of homes
The EFGL wind farm already supplies renewable energy to the French electricity grid, with an estimated production of 110,000 MWh per year. This capacity will provide electricity to approximately 50,000 people over a 20-year operational period, reinforcing the role of offshore wind energy in the country’s energy transition.
Furthermore, the implementation of the project contributes to the diversification of the French energy mix, promoting clean sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
One of the most significant aspects of the project has been the participation of regional industry. Approximately 85% of the direct suppliers are French companies, while over 99% are from Europe. Furthermore, nearly 60% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
During the construction phase, the Port-La Nouvelle port played a key role in the assembly and installation operations. In the operational phase, the park generates local employment and supports maintenance and technical supervision activities.
An innovative floating wind farm
The EFGL project incorporates solutions focused on environmental integration. These include structures designed to promote marine biodiversity, introducing new practices in the development of offshore wind farms.
This approach reinforces the compatibility between energy generation and marine environment conservation, an increasingly relevant aspect in renewable energy projects.
As a pilot project, EFGL lays the groundwork for larger-scale installations. In this context, Ocean Winds is already working on the development of the 250 MW EFLO floating wind farm, awarded in partnership with Banque des Territoires.
In this way, the company consolidates its position in the floating offshore wind energy segment, a key technology for expanding renewable generation in deep-sea areas.
Source and photo: Ocean Winds