Ocean Winds Sticks with Principle Power’s Floating Wind Tech for French Tender

Ocean Winds, a joint venture between ENGIE and EDP Renewables, has entered into a collaboration agreement with the floating wind technology developer Principle Power, which will see the two companies cooperating on the design of the floating platforms for France’s first commercial-scale floating wind tender.

In September, the French government selected Ocean Winds and several other companies and consortia to participate in the country’s first tender dedicated to floating wind, after launching the tendering procedure in April.

France is looking for a developer of its first, 270 MW commercial floating project in South Brittany, off the Belle and Groix islands.

The developers selected by the government are now taking part in a competitive dialogue, before the government invites bids for building and operating the project and announces a winner next year.

Ocean Winds is already utilising Principle Power’s technology at the 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic project currently operating in Portugal. The partners are also working together on the 30 MW Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project in the French Mediterranean Sea, planned for commissioning in 2023.

“Our early involvement in this project ensures that we can bring our cumulative experience to design WindFloat® units that address the unique conditions of the South Brittany site in a way that is robust, competitive, and in harmony with the local environment”, said Aaron Smith, Chief Commercial Officer of Principle Power.

Grzegorz Gorski, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Winds, said: “Our aim is to deploy the full know-how of Ocean Winds to ensure that the South Brittany floating offshore wind project is a success for France. Our 10+ years of experience developing and operating floating wind projects, including WindFloat 1, which started production in 2011, and WindFloat Atlantic, the world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm, makes us uniquely qualified to deliver this project and generate a positive impact for the French industry, local communities, and other stakeholders”.