EolMed Pilot Farm - Les éoliennes flottantes du Gruissan

EolMed Pilot Farm - Les éoliennes flottantes du Gruissan Wind Farm

Location

The EolMed pilot wind farm is located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 15-18 km off the coastal town of Gruissan in the Occitanie region of France, near Port-La-Nouvelle.

Capacity and Turbines

The wind farm has a total capacity of 30 MW, comprising three wind turbines, each with a power output of 10 MW. These turbines are based on the V-164 technology by Vestas (now MHI Vestas), and each turbine can generate enough energy to power nearly 17,000 inhabitants.

Floating Foundation Technology

The wind turbines are mounted on floating steel platforms, specifically designed as square semi-submersible steel barges. Each floating structure features optimized dimensions (45m x 45m x 17m) for easy integration in the port, a hull with a central opening (Damping pool©) to dampen swell movements, and an extended bottom to dampen swell frequencies. The wind turbines are attached to the back of the deck via a transition piece.

Consortium and Partners

The project is led by the French renewable energy developer Qair, with Total holding a 20% stake. Other key partners include BW Ideol, which supplies the floating foundation technology, and MHI Vestas, the wind turbine manufacturer. Prysmian is responsible for the design, supply, installation, termination, testing, and commissioning of the export submarine power cable system.

Construction and Timeline

• Summer 2016: Attribution of the Gruissan site to the consortium Qair - BW Ideol.
• 2017-2018: Engineering and application for authorisation.
• May 2022: Final Investment Decision (FID) announced.
• 2022-2025: Construction phase.
• 2025: Expected commissioning and start of operations for a 20-year period.

Infrastructure Installation

Bourbon Subsea Services has completed the installation of the foundations for the Floating Electrical Hub (FEH) and the subsea mooring system. The FEH will be connected to the three wind turbines and the shore connection cable, enabling the delivery of electricity to the local grid.

Cable Connections

Prysmian has completed the installation of a 66 kV static three-core export submarine cable with EPR insulation, along with a 66 kV dynamic submarine export tail. The submarine connection runs from the wind farm to the beach at Port-La-Nouvelle, crossing the commercial port’s shipping channel. The underground connection then runs through the south of Port-La-Nouvelle, branching off at Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle, crossing under the railway line, and arriving at the Port-La-Nouvelle electrical substation.

Environmental and Technical Significance

The EolMed project is one of the first floating offshore wind farms in France and aims to validate the technical reliability of such installations. It supports the development of an offshore wind energy industry in the Occitanie and PACA regions of southern France. The project also aligns with Total's ambition to become a leader in renewable energies and to achieve net zero by 2050.

Power Generation and Impact

The three wind turbines will generate more than 110 million kWh/year, contributing significantly to the region's renewable energy goals and supporting the local grid.