France requests floating turbine submissions

FRANCE: French environment minister Philippe Martin has called on industrial and energy companies to submit "technical solutions and financial plans" for the development of floating wind energy in the mid-term.

The 2MW Vertiwind project is one of a number of trials to be deployed off the French coast

Submissions must be received by 10 March and, unusually, can be made in English. According to various studies, France could generate up to 200TWh/year from floating turbines operating for 3,000-4,000 hours a year.

The move marks the first step in a process the minister aiming to help the sector reach a pre-commercial stage in the medium-term.

Based on the submissions, the authorities will first define areas where it is technically and economically feasible to install floating turbines.

They will also evaluate the potential resource, while grid operator RTE will determine the conditions for grid connections and draw up an estimated timetable.

The regional authorities will then identify areas suitable for pilot projects. At the same time, the government will strengthen the regulatory and legislative framework.