Reading Time: 3 minutes
The EDF Group, through its subsidiary EDF Renouvelables, along with Enbridge Éolien France 2 S.a.r.l—a joint venture of Enbridge Inc. and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments)—has announced the full commissioning of France’s first floating wind farm, Provence Grand Large.
Located 17 kilometers off the coast of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône in the Gulf of Fos (Bouches-du-Rhône), the 25 MW pilot project will generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 45,000 people.
A First for France and the Mediterranean
Provence Grand Large is the first floating wind farm in both France and the Mediterranean basin. The project features three Siemens Gamesa turbines mounted on floating platforms anchored by a unique tension line system—an innovation adapted from oil platform stabilization technologies. Developed by SBM Offshore and IFP Energies Nouvelles, this anchoring solution ensures high float stability in deep-sea conditions, marking a world first for offshore wind.
Bernard Fontana, President and CEO of EDF, said: “We are proud to put into service the first floating sea wind farm in France, an important project for our country’s energy sovereignty. By helping to diversify our renewable energy sources, this pilot park actively participates in France’s energy transition, while supporting the emergence of a cutting-edge industrial sector on these innovative technologies. I thank all the actors in the territory as well as the EDF Renewables teams, and our partners, Enbridge and CPP Investments for their commitment. This park could not have been created without a constant dialogue with elected officials, associations, professional fishermen, representatives of marine protected areas, economic actors and residents. This experience is valuable to carry out the construction of our second floating sea wind farm, Méditerranée Grand Large, for which we were awarded in December 2024. These projects are part of the EDF group’s ambition to contribute to the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050, by strengthening France’s position as a major player in the renewable energy industry”.
Matthew Akman, Executive Vice-President Strategy and President of the Energy division at Enbridge Inc. added: “Enbridge is proud to be a partner of the first floating sea wind farm in France. This innovative project contributes to the development and opens up new perspectives for the development of the sea wind sector and the production of low-carbon energy. We are pleased to have Provence Grand Large in Enbridge’s portfolio and to support the region’s energy transition. ”
Bill Rogers, Head of Sustainable Energy at RPC Investments, said: “RPC Investments is pleased to support the launch of France’s first floating sea wind farm alongside Enbridge and EDF. This project represents an important and innovative step in renewable energy and corresponds to our commitment to invest in opportunities that contribute to a low-carbon future. ”
Electricity is transmitted to the mainland via dynamic cables built by Prysmian. These cables are designed to move with the floating structures and connect to both submarine and terrestrial grids before reaching the onshore substation operated by RTE.
A Community-Driven and Environmentally Monitored Project
Since 2011, the project team has worked closely with local authorities, fishermen, residents, and environmental organizations to ensure community support and address ecological concerns. Initiatives include bird detection systems and ongoing radar-based monitoring to minimize environmental impact.
In 2022, the French government established a scientific and technical advisory committee to independently evaluate the park’s environmental measures and ensure transparency of data collection. This research will contribute valuable insights for the development of future floating offshore wind projects.
Selected in 2016 by the French government, Provence Grand Large has received funding support from the European Union’s NER 300 and FEDER programs, France’s Future Investment Program (PIA) via ADEME, and the South Region. Local institutions including the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence and Gulf of Fos communities have also backed the project.
