EDF Group, through its subsidiary EDF Renewables, has fully commissioned France’s first floating offshore wind farm, Provence Grand Large. Located 17 kilometers off the coast of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône in the Gulf of Fos, the 25-megawatt (MW) facility is now operational and capable of supplying electricity to the equivalent of 45,000 people annually.

A Technological First for France

The Provence Grand Large project features three Siemens Gamesa wind turbines mounted on floating tension leg platforms a technology adapted from offshore oil and gas operations. The platforms, designed by SBM Offshore in collaboration with IFP Energies Nouvelles, are anchored to the seabed using vertical mooring lines, making them suitable for deployment in deep waters.

This pilot project represents a significant step in demonstrating the viability of floating wind technology in the French energy landscape.

Since its early planning stages in 2011, the project has incorporated input from local stakeholders, with particular attention paid to environmental and economic considerations. To mitigate its ecological impact, Provence Grand Large uses a camera-based bird detection system equipped with acoustic deterrents and radar-based monitoring to study wildlife interactions with the turbines.

Supported by Public and EU Funding

The project received financial backing from the European Union, France’s Investment for the Future Program, and the South Region. These investments reflect growing institutional support for floating wind technology as part of broader energy transition goals.

Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF Group, highlighted the project's strategic importance, stating that it contributes to France’s energy independence and renewable energy diversification. “The knowledge gained from Provence Grand Large will inform future developments, including the Méditerranée Grand Large wind farm,” Fontana said.

Outlook

The successful commissioning of Provence Grand Large positions France as a participant in the expanding field of floating wind power, with future projects expected to build on this early model. The site serves as both a technical proving ground and a symbol of the country’s commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions.

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