en.Wedoany.com Reported - The 30 MW Lion Gulf floating offshore wind farm (Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion, EFGL) off the French Mediterranean coast has achieved full-capacity power generation, as announced by project owner and developer Ocean Winds (OW).

This pilot wind farm, developed by Ocean Winds in partnership with Banque des Territoires, features three 10 MW turbines located 16 kilometers off the coast of Occitanie, mounted on semi-submersible floating foundations. Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, stated that the project further validates the feasibility of floating offshore wind technology.

As the majority shareholder, Ocean Winds is committed to building a local supply chain to support all project phases and future commercial development. Among the project's direct suppliers, 99% are from Europe, with 85% being French or locally based in France, and 60% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Craig Windram, CEO of Ocean Winds, stated: "Floating offshore wind will play a key role in the future energy mix, especially in countries like France with deep-water coastlines. The EFGL reaching full capacity demonstrates Ocean Winds' long-term vision and our ability to safely and efficiently deliver complex floating projects in close collaboration with national, regional, and local stakeholders across the entire value chain."

The project is now fully operational, relying on a dedicated operations and maintenance base built by Ocean Winds, providing employment for over 20 local workers responsible for monitoring energy production and maintenance activities, thereby establishing long-term economic activity in the port city of Port-La Nouvelle.

Currently, the EFGL wind farm will generate approximately 110,000 MWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to powering around 50,000 residents each year for the next 20 years.

Marc Hirt, France Country Manager for Ocean Winds, stated: "EFGL concretely proves that floating offshore wind is no longer a concept of the future, but an operational reality in France. This project showcases the expertise accumulated by the French and European supply chains and confirms the strategic role of the Mediterranean in the next phase of offshore wind development."

The wind farm also incorporates several engineering innovations to protect and enhance marine biodiversity, such as artificial marine habitats (Biohut) designed by the local SME Ecocean. According to reports, this makes the wind farm the first floating offshore wind project in the world to include natural elements.