· What are the advantages of the Mediterranean region for the development of offshore wind projects?
The Mediterranean region offers unique advantages for offshore wind development. Consistent and moderate wind speeds, combined with relatively mild sea conditions, create an optimal environment for offshore wind energy.
Due to the sea depth, floating technology allows for countries like Spain to turn to offshore wind, or countries like France to expand their offshore wind potential to all their national coasts. In addition, the proximity to densely populated coastal areas and industrial centers makes offshore wind farms ideal for meeting the strong local energy demand and facilitates interconnection with the onshore grid. Established port infrastructure, primordial for floating wind projects, as the turbines installations on the floater happen in the ports facilitates construction, assembly, and maintenance operations. Here we can mention Port-La Nouvelle in France, as our hub for the Eoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion (EFGL) project under construction and that offer strong facilities for floating offshore wind constructions.
Floating wind farms also minimize seabed impact, aligning with the region’s ecological priorities and biodiversity. These projects not only advance sustainable energy but also create significant economic opportunities, including local job creation and supply chain development. Given this context, countries like France and Spain are driving growth through ambitious renewable energy targets and evolving regulatory frameworks.
· What does the award of the Occitanie Floating Wind Turbines project mean for the company?
The award of the EFLO “Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie” project is a proud milestone for Ocean Winds, reaffirming our commitment to France’s energy transition and the Occitanie region’s 2050 goals. This recognition reflects the French Government’s trust in our expertise, demonstrated through projects like îles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier, Dieppe Le Tréport, and EFGL, all currently under construction, as well as our 18.8 GW global portfolio.
Backed by EDPR and ENGIE, with France as ENGIE’s home market, we are dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Our expertise in floating
solutions reinforces our leadership both globally and regionally, while driving our efforts to expand our presence in France. This recognition from key industry players and stakeholders highlights the trust placed in our capabilities and innovative approach.
The Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie project emphasizes collaboration with the local supply chain, the Occitanie Region, and Port-La Nouvelle. In partnership with Banque des Territoires, we signed the “Commitment Charter to Contribute to the Regional Structuring of a French Industrial Sector,” alongside six regional clusters, including Wind’Occ. By working with regional actors, fisheries, and environmental experts, we aim to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of this transformative project.
· What do you consider to be the biggest challenges currently facing the development of this technology in seas such as the Mediterranean?
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the development of offshore wind technology in seas like the Mediterranean is ensuring the availability and readiness of the supply chain. This includes everything from infrastructure to skilled labour and manufacturing capacity, which are crucial for developing projects effectively.
Another significant challenge is the permitting and consenting process, which, while improving, still requires further acceleration to meet the growing demand and ambitious timelines of energy transition goals. These delays can affect project timelines and increase costs, making it vital to streamline these processes even further.
Lastly, long-term national planning and commitment are pivotal. France has shown strong leadership by establishing a clear roadmap and supportive frameworks for offshore wind development. However, Spain has yet to take similarly decisive steps in planning and commitment, which are essential for unlocking the region’s full potential. Despite this, we remain optimistic about Spain’s future contributions to this shared vision.
· How can the LCOE of the technology be reduced and what are the company’s prospects for the future?
Reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for floating offshore wind is a key focus for Ocean Winds, and our growing experience in operating these technologies plays a critical role in their reduction. Proven in projects like WindFloat Atlantic—the world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm with 5 years of operational experience—this innovative platform simplifies installation, reduces seabed impact, enhances scalability, and drives significant cost savings.
We recognize that the journey of new energy technologies—from innovation to maturity—is not without challenges. Regulatory barriers, market competition, and technological hurdles must be addressed to unlock their full potential. Overcoming these obstacles requires a strong focus on innovation, the incorporation of lessons learned, collaboration, and the scaling up of projects to achieve significant cost efficiencies.
In addition to this technological evolution, a crucial driver of LCOE is scale. The size of projects and the deployment of larger, more efficient turbines have a direct impact on cost reductions. Larger turbines generate more energy per unit; while scaling up project sizes allows for economies of scale in manufacturing, installation, and operations. These advancements, combined with continued innovation and optimization across the supply chain, will help make floating offshore wind even more competitive.
Looking ahead, Ocean Winds is committed to delivering its global portfolio and leveraging its expertise to lead the industry toward a more sustainable, cost-efficient future.
· What are OW’s plans for offshore wind in Europe?
Ocean Winds is powering the future of offshore wind, driving projects that accelerate the energy transition, boost economic growth, and prioritize safety at every step. By 2026, OW will bring clean, renewable energy to 5 million homes and businesses across Europe annually, solidifying its role as a leader in the industry.
In France, OW is advancing projects under construction, including îles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier, Dieppe Le Tréport, Eoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion, as well as the recently added 250 MW Eoliennes Flottantes d’Occitanie Offshore Wind Farm, which is in development, while preparing for future tenders to expand its impact.
In the United Kingdom, Moray East (950 MW) is operational, while Moray West (882 MW) is nearing completion, and two projects, Caledonia and Arven, are under development.
Portugal is home to WindFloat Atlantic, the world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm, which has been operational since early 2020. As a key market with significant potential, further development in Portugal awaits regulatory clarity, and OW is particularly interested in upcoming tenders, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing the sector. Similarly, in Spain, OW is ready to support the country’s ambitious 3 GW floating wind target by 2030, leveraging the opportunities created by Royal Decree 962/2024.
In Poland, the 500 MW BC-Wind project is under development, and in Belgium, the 487 MW SeaMade project is operational. Additionally, OW is actively pursuing opportunities in Ireland to expand its presence alongside Born na Moná, iconic semi-state Irish company supporting Ireland´s energy security since 1934, came together to create a powerful offshore wind partnership.
OW remains committed to delivering these projects safely and efficiently, strengthening its leadership in offshore wind and contributing to Europe’s renewable energy goals.