Ocean Winds Achieves Full Power at 30-MW Floating Wind Farm Off France

The 30-MW floating offshore wind project has reached full operational capacity, marking a milestone for floating wind technology in France.

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Ocean Winds, the joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, has announced that its 30-megawatt floating offshore wind farm off the coast of France has reached full power output. The project, which began commissioning earlier this year, now operates at its nameplate capacity, delivering electricity to the French grid.

The achievement positions the wind farm as one of the largest floating wind installations to date. Floating turbines are anchored to the seabed with mooring lines, allowing deployment in deeper waters where fixed-bottom turbines are not feasible. This technology is seen as crucial for expanding offshore wind capacity, particularly in regions like the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Ocean Winds stated that all turbines are now fully commissioned and operational. The company did not specify the exact turbine model or the number of units installed. The project has been developed under a French government tender aimed at demonstrating floating wind technology.

The successful ramp-up to full power follows a series of tests and grid connection procedures. Floating wind farms face unique challenges, including dynamic cable management and stability in harsh sea conditions. The achievement signals technical maturity for the sector, which has seen increasing investment globally.

France has ambitious targets for offshore wind. This project serves as a key stepping stone toward those goals. Ocean Winds plans to leverage lessons learned for future larger-scale floating projects.