Total has become a 20 percent shareholder in the Eolmed floating wind farm pilot project, situated in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Gruissan and near Port-La-Nouvelle.
Assigned in July 2016, this 30 megawatt (MW) project will accelerate the development of a floating wind technology. Together with Qair, the developer and majority shareholder of the project, and its local partners, Total brings its expertise in the design, deployment and operation of offshore installations during its life cycle.
Thus, Total continues to improve its role in the emerging floating offshore wind market, where it wants to be one of the world’s leaders. Today, the group has a portfolio of 2 gigawatts in South Korea and a 100 MW Erebus project in the United Kingdom, which has just been granted exclusive development rights for its territory.
“This announcement once again demonstrates the Group’s ambition and willingness to innovate in the field of renewable energies. Floating offshore wind is a very promising segment in which Total notably brings its extensive experience in offshore projects. Together with our partner Qair, we have the necessary resources to meet the technological and financial challenges that will determine our future success. I am delighted that Total can contribute to the emergence of this new sector in France.“
Julien Pouget, director renewables of Total.
“The Eolmed project is at the heart of the Occitanie Region’s strategy for the development of renewable energies, actively supported by local partners. It also demonstrates Qair’s ambition to become a major player in floating offshore wind energy in Europe. By joining forces with a renowned French industrial partner for this innovative project developed by our teams since 2016, Qair is strengthening its technical expertise for the realisation of the Eolmed project and for future floating wind projects.“
Louis Blanchard, CEO of Qair.