AO6 tender sees France select two more commercial-scale floating wind projects

The AO6 tender – the second commercial-scale floating wind tender launched by the French government following the AO5 tender won by a consortium between Elicio and BayWa re – resulted in the selection of two 250-MW floating windfarms.

The first, in the ‘Narbonaise’ area in the Mediterranean, was developed by Ocean Winds and Banque des Territoires. The Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie project is located approximately 25 km from the coast, between Agde, Hérault and Port-la-Nouvelle, Aude.

The second project, in the Golfe de Fos, was developed by the Eoliennes Méditerranée Grand Large consortium comprising EDF Renouvelables and Maple Power. The project is approximately 25 km from the coast, off Fos-sur-Mer, Bouches-du-Rhône.

EDF Renewables chairwoman and chief executive Béatrice Buffon said its project “Is in line with EDF Group’s strategy to develop low-carbon electricity production” and “contribute to France’s carbon neutrality objectives by 2050.” She said the company would also be able to capitalise on experience gained with the Provence Grand Large floating offshore windfarm, the first, precommercial scale floating windfarm in France, which was also installed in the Mediterranean.

Ocean Winds chief executive Craig Windram said, “We are proud to continue contributing to France’s energy transition through this new project.” Banque des Territoires energy director Emmanuel Legrand said the company was “delighted to have been selected to build one of the first major floating wind projects in the Mediterranean.” 

Ocean Winds country manager France Marc Hirt said the company looked forward to continuing its collaboration with Banque des Territoires, fisheries, other sea users with whom it worked during the development of the project.”