Ocean Winds has reached full power at its 30 MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion floating offshore wind farm in France.
The EFGL project, located 16km off the Occitanie coast near Port-La Nouvelle, has three 10 MW turbines installed on semi-submersible floating foundations. It is Ocean Winds’ second floating wind project globally and its first floating project in France.
The project was developed by Ocean Winds in partnership with Banque des Territoires. Ocean Winds is a 50:50 joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE.
Floating wind moves into operation in the Mediterranean
EFGL is now entering full operations after delivering first power to the French grid in May 2026. Ocean Winds says the pilot project will support the next phase of floating offshore wind development in deeper waters, including the north-west Mediterranean.
The wind farm is expected to generate around 110,000 MWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the annual power needs of approximately 50,000 inhabitants, for a planned operating period of 20 years.
“Floating offshore wind will play a critical role in the future energy mix,” said Craig Windram, CEO of Ocean Winds.
The project also supports more than 20 local workers from a dedicated operations and maintenance base built by Ocean Winds in Port-La Nouvelle.
French and European supply chain involvement
Ocean Winds said the project has drawn heavily on European and French suppliers. According to the company, 99% of direct suppliers were European, 85% were French or France-based companies, and 60% were small and medium-sized enterprises.
The company said the project provides a reference point for commercial-scale floating wind deployment in France and other markets with deep coastal waters.
“EFGL is a concrete demonstration that floating offshore wind is no longer a future concept,” said Marc Hirt, Country Manager for France at Ocean Winds.
Nature-inclusive floating wind
Alongside its energy role, EFGL includes nature-inclusive features designed to support marine biodiversity. Ocean Winds said artificial marine habitats, Biohut, designed by local SME Ecocean, have been incorporated into the project.
The company describes EFGL as the world’s first nature-inclusive floating wind farm to enter operation.
Ocean Winds said the project will inform production, optimisation and operational standards for future commercial floating wind projects in France and internationally.
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FAQs
What is the EFGL floating wind farm?
EFGL, or Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion, is a 30 MW floating offshore wind farm off the Occitanie coast in southern France.
How many turbines does EFGL have?
The project has three 10 MW turbines installed on semi-submersible floating foundations.
Where is EFGL located?
EFGL is located around 16km off the Occitanie coast, near Port-La Nouvelle, in the Mediterranean Sea.
How much electricity will EFGL generate?
Ocean Winds expects the project to generate around 110,000 MWh of clean electricity per year, enough to power the equivalent of approximately 50,000 inhabitants annually.
Image: ©EFGL project, Ocean Winds
