Ocean Winds has begun electricity generation at the 30 MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion floating offshore wind project, located off Port-La Nouvelle in southern France.
The company confirmed the project marks its second operating floating wind farm and its first in France, supplying renewable energy to homes and businesses in the region.
Developed in partnership with Banque des Territoires, the wind farm comprises three 10 MW turbines installed on floating foundations about 16 km offshore.
The pilot facility is expected to generate around 110,000 MWh annually, enough to meet the electricity needs of about 50,000 inhabitants over a 20-year period.
Ocean Winds stated that around 85% of its direct suppliers are French or France-based, while more than 99% are located within Europe. Around 60% of these suppliers are small and medium-sized enterprises.
The project also supports more than 20 operational jobs at Port-La Nouvelle.
Craig Windram, chief executive of Ocean Winds, said the start of electricity production reflects the company’s experience in floating offshore wind and its capability to deliver and operate offshore wind technologies.
Marc Hirt, country manager for France at Ocean Winds, said the milestone is important for France’s energy sovereignty and for floating wind development, highlighting the role of European and French industry participants.
The company said the project serves as a pilot for larger developments, including the 250 MW Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie project awarded in late 2024 with Banque des Territoires.
The wind farm also includes artificial marine habitats designed by Ecocean to support biodiversity as part of a nature-inclusive approach.
Ocean Winds added that the project builds on its WindFloat Atlantic floating wind farm and supports the wider scale-up of floating offshore wind technology.
