The French government on Thursday specified the location of two floating wind projects in the Mediterranean of 250 MW each and their subsequent extensions of about 500 MW each.
The decision allows France to advance towards the publication of the specifications for the competitive bidding process for the Mediterranean projects.
The two sets of about 750 MW each will be located within zones 1 and 2 identified after a 2021 public debate. The first project in zone 1 off the coast of Narbonne will be located at a 48 sq km (18.5 sq miles) site more than 25 km (15.5 miles) from the coast, with a 96-sq-km area allocated for the 500-MW extension. The second project will be located in zone 2 off the Gulf of Fos more than 25 km from the coast at an area of 52 sq km and 103 sq km allocated for expansion.
The locations were chosen to maximise energy generation and minimise the impacts of the wind farms on fishing, the environment and the landscape.
According to the announcement, the zones will be included in the specifications of the current competitive bidding procedure with the aim of awarding the initial two projects of 250 MW by summer 2024. The specifications will be submitted to the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) and then notified to candidates, who will have nearly four months to prepare their offers.
The commissioning of the two 250-MW floating wind parks is planned for 2031.
France has the ambition to install 45 GW of offshore wind by 2050.
