France Launches World's First Project-Financed Floating Offshore Wind Farm
France has inaugurated the world's first project-financed floating offshore wind farm, Provence Grand Large, with a capacity of 25 MW. The milestone was reached in June 2025, following its connection to the grid in November 2024. This significant achievement is a result of collaboration between EDF, Enbridge, and CPP Investments.
The floating foundations were manufactured at Eiffage Métal's facility in Fos-sur-Mer and assembled by Eiffage in partnership with Smulders. The wind farm features three Siemens Gamesa 8 MW turbines installed on tensioned line floats, designed by IFP Energies Nouvelles and SBM Offshore. The project is expected to power the equivalent of 45,000 inhabitants annually.
The financing of the world's first project-financed floating offshore wind farm in France involved Deep Wind Offshore Norway AS and EDF Renouvelables International SAS, among others. EDF Renouvelables International SAS, a French stakeholder, played a notable role in the floating offshore wind projects.
The successful commissioning of the Provence Grand Large floating wind farm marks a significant step in France's renewable energy transition. The project demonstrates the viability of floating offshore wind technology and sets the stage for further development in the sector.
