Offshore wind turbines: capturing the wind’s energy
Since the early 2010s, offshore wind power has seen substantial growth around the world. Given their size and their potential, these projects are at the forefront of national energy transition policies. They are also particularly structuring projects at local level, promoting the development of a dedicated industrial channel that creates value and jobs in the region.
Floating wind power: the new generation of offshore wind plants
Floating offshore wind turbines have enjoyed exponential growth over the last few years and now represent a proven technology. However, physical constraints (water depth) and societal constraints (closeness to the shore, co-uses) are limiting this technology’s deployment on all seafronts. Floating wind power is a promising technological solution in terms of harvesting the wind’s energy in new maritime areas (open sea and deep water) while limiting the visual and environmental impacts.
A portfolio of opportunities
As a global player, Akuo is establishing partnerships to work together on our portfolio of opportunities to develop value-creating regional projects along the entire value chain.
Eolymar: floating wind power
Akuo is part of a consortium, along with BlueFloat Energy and Sumitomo Corporation, prequalified for the sixth French offshore wind call for tenders (AO6) for the awarding of two projects in the Mediterranean. Under the name Eolymar (which evokes the wind and sea in the Occitan language), our consortium’s ambition is to:
- Combine the complementary expertise of the three offshore wind players. Indeed, Eolymar’s combined experience represents close to 1GW in France (Dieppe-Le Tréport and Yeu-Noirmoutier offshore wind farms) and more than 30GW globally.
- Accompany the development of the local value chain by presenting a strategic vision on a Mediterranean scale. This is based on a portfolio of 7GW of floating wind power projects under development in the Mediterranean basin.
- Mobilize unique expertise in the development of floating wind projects thanks to one of the most experienced teams in floating technology, with more than 18 projects under development around the world.
- Develop projects with regional potential thanks to the help of local teams based in the Occitanie region and in Marseille and of our acknowledged experience in the development of participatory renewable energy projects in France.
Project in Réunion
Akuo and BlueFloat Energy, leading renewable energy players, are joining forces to develop a floating wind power project off the coast of the French island of La Réunion. This ambitious project aims to install a wind power plant with an output of at least 200 MW capable of generating approximately a quarter of the island’s electricity consumption.
This project has several advantages:
- Contribution to energy self-sufficiency: floating wind power will enable the island of La Réunion to reduce its dependence on imported energy and close in on its target of becoming energy self-sufficient.
- Production of clean electricity: wind is one of the most effective sources of renewable energy for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This project will thus help fight climate change.
- Electricity at a stable price: the project will help supply La Réunion’s residents with electricity at a stable and affordable price, which is crucial in a context of rising energy prices.
- Creation of jobs: the development of this extensive floating wind farm will enable tens of local jobs to be created, thus contributing to the island’s economic growth.
The project is currently in its study phase and could take shape by around 2030. Akuo and BlueFloat Energy are working in close cooperation with local stakeholders to ensure its success.
Technology adapted to La Réunion’s conditions
Floating wind power is a technology that is particularly well-suited to the island’s geographical and meteorological conditions. The floatation devices will enable the wind turbines to be installed out at sea, where the wind is stronger and more consistent. Furthermore, the floating wind turbines are designed to withstand hurricanes, which are frequent in the region.
