First French floating offshore windfarm fully commissioned

The 25-MW windfarm, developed by EDF Group through its subsidiary EDF Renewables, Enbridge Éolien France 2, a subsidiary of Enbridge, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), is now fully commissioned.

The project off the coast of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône uses three offshore wind turbines supplied by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, installed on tension leg platforms developed by SBM Offshore and IFP Energies Nouvelles.

The dynamic cables for the offshore windfarm, which were supplied by Prysmian, adapt to the movement of the platforms, and transmit electricity produced by Provence Grand Large wind turbines to the shore.

EDF Group chairman and chief executive Bernard Fontana said, “We are proud to commission France’s first floating offshore windfarm, a major project for our country’s energy sovereignty. 

“By contributing to the diversification of our renewable energy sources, this pilot project plays an active role in France’s energy transition while supporting the emergence of a cutting-edge industrial sector.

“I would like to thank all of the local stakeholders, as well as the teams at EDF Renewables and our partners, Enbridge and CPP Investments, for their commitment. This project could not have come to life without continuous dialogue with elected officials, associations, the fishing industry, economic players and local residents. 

“This experience is invaluable as we move forward with the construction of our second floating offshore windfarm, Méditerranée Grand Large, for which we were awarded the contract in December 2024. 

“These projects are aligned with EDF Group’s ambition to contribute to carbon neutrality by 2050, strengthening France’s position as a major player in the renewable energy industry.”

Enbridge vice president corporate strategy and president power Matthew Akman said the project “opens up new perspectives and opportunities for the development of the offshore wind sector and low-carbon energy production.”

CPP head of sustainable energies Bill Rodgers said the project “represents an important step in advancing renewable energy innovation and aligns with our approach to investing in opportunities that contribute to a lower-carbon future while delivering long-term value.”