France Commissions Another Floating Offshore Wind Farm - Ocean Winds Launches EFGL
Port-La Nouvelle (France) – France is focusing on the industrial future field of floating offshore wind energy and continues to expand this sector. Offshore wind developer Ocean Winds has now begun electricity production at its floating offshore wind farm Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL).
France: Floating offshore wind as a future technology
With this project, the development of floating offshore wind power in France is being further advanced. A significant share of the world’s suitable offshore wind resources is located in deeper waters (around 80 percent), where conventional fixed-bottom foundations reach technical or economic limits. Floating systems are therefore considered a key technology for the future expansion of offshore wind energy.
The wind farm consists of three 10-megawatt turbines from manufacturer Vestas (V164-10.0 MW) mounted on floating foundations and is located about 16 kilometers off the coast. The project was developed in partnership with Banque des Territoires. The goal is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of floating offshore wind in the Mediterranean under real operating conditions.
The electricity generated is already being fed into the French power grid and supplies households and businesses in southern France.
Strengthening regional value creation and the Franco-European supply chain
ccording to the project partners, a largely European and regional supply chain has been established. Around 85 percent of direct suppliers come from France or are based there, and more than 99 percent are from Europe. About 60 percent of the companies involved are small and medium-sized enterprises.
During the construction and installation phase at the Port-La Nouvelle harbor, industrial cooperation was particularly visible. In ongoing operations, more than 20 jobs are expected to be created for monitoring and maintenance of the facility, contributing to local value creation.
The wind farm is expected to generate around 110 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, theoretically supplying about 50,000 people.
France director Marc Hirt particularly highlighted the importance for energy supply and industrial cooperation. The project demonstrates the ability to integrate European industrial players and small companies across the value chain while contributing to the energy transition and regional economic development.
Floating offshore: EFGL as a pilot project for future large-scale developments
EFGL is considered a pilot project for larger offshore developments, including the 250-megawatt Éoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie (EFLO) project, which was awarded to Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires in 2024.
Ocean Winds CEO Craig Windram described the first power production as proof of the technological maturity of floating offshore wind and the company’s industrial implementation capability. The project shows that even complex offshore technologies can be reliably deployed and scaled in the future.
In addition, EFGL is reportedly the world’s first floating offshore wind farm with a nature-integrated design. Artificial marine habitats have been installed to promote biodiversity. The combination of technology, regional value creation, and environmental integration is intended to set new standards for offshore wind development.
About offshore wind energy in France
Several offshore wind farms with a total capacity of around 2,000 megawatts are already in operation or in advanced stages of development in France. These include the first large-scale projects Saint-Nazaire (480 MW), Saint-Brieuc (496 MW), and Fécamp (497 MW), which are among the country’s first commercial offshore wind farms.
Another major project is the Îles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier offshore wind farm (approx. 496 MW). In April 2026, turbine installation was completed there. The wind farm is currently in the final phase of grid connection and is expected to become fully operational shortly.
With the floating offshore wind farm Provence Grand Large (25 MW), the first floating offshore wind farm in France and the Mediterranean became operational in 2025. It consists of three Siemens Gamesa turbines (SG 8.0-167 DD). The operator is Parc Eolien Offshore de Provence Grand Large, a subsidiary of EDF Renouvelables. The offshore project is considered an important technological demonstrator for floating foundations under real operating conditions.
Source: IWR Online, 08 May 2026