The Provence Grand Large floating offshore wind farm, a joint initiative of EDF Renewables, Enbridge and CPP Investments, has been officially inaugurated. This farm, with an installed capacity of 25 MW, already supplies energy to thousands of homes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Provence Grand Large and its innovative financing model
What distinguishes this wind farm is not only its pioneering status in France, but also the fact that it is the first in the world to be developed under a project financing scheme. This model has made it possible to mobilize significant private investment for a technology that until now was considered a demonstration technology.
The project employs three Siemens Gamesa 8 MW turbines installed on floating platforms type Tension Leg Platform (TLP) floating platforms, designed by SBM Offshore and IFP Energies nouvelles. These structures anchored to the seabed offer high stability, which improves performance in variable ocean conditions.
Local construction and European supply chain
The floating bases were built at Eiffage Métal’s Fos-sur-Mer facility, with assembly carried out in collaboration with Smulders. Wiring and grid connection was managed by Prysmian and RTE, ensuring direct integration with the national electrical infrastructure.
The farm, in operation since November 2024 and fully commissioned in June 2025, generates energy equivalent to the annual consumption of 45,000 inhabitants. Beyond production, it represents a replicable success story for future floating wind tenders in Europe.
Statements from the industry
This progress reflects our ability to collaborate on long-term sustainable energy solutions.
George Walley, vice president and head of offshore wind at Enbridge, said.
The inauguration was attended by representatives of ADEME and the port of Marseille Fos, key players in logistics development.
Provence Grand Large marks both a technological and financial precedent for marine energy. With this project, France strengthens its role in floating wind innovation and paves the way towards a decarbonized electricity matrix in the Mediterranean.
Source: George Walley
Photo: Shutterstock
