A first major step for the France Atlantique project was reached in the summer of 2023 with the installation of the mooring system for the floating wind turbine developed by Eolink on our SEM-REV test site. The wind turbine itself is now being prepared in the Port of Brest.
The first components of the wind turbine
The components of the 5 MW floating wind turbine arrived at the Port of Brest in December 2024, marking another key milestone in the construction of this pre-commercial demonstrator. Eolink is currently finalising preparations for the construction site, which will begin in 2025, to assemble the steel float and the superstructures of its wind turbine at the Marine Renewable Energy terminal of the Port of Brest. This float will then be equipped with the wind turbine components. This is one of VALOREM's roles in the project, and the main elements — including the turbine, nacelle, hub, and blades — have also arrived in Brest. For this demonstration unit, a second-hand turbine developed by the Dutch company Darwind B.V., and mechanically and electrically retrofitted by VALOREM with support from Eolink’s teams, will be installed. Once completed, the square floating structure, 52 meters on each side and topped with a pyramidal superstructure, will reach a total height of 140 meters.
Photos credits: LUDYS | Audiovisuel & Photographie
Preparing the SEM-REV site
For Fondation OPEN-C, preparations to welcome the wind turbine are ongoing. Installation of the 3 mooring anchors and bottom chains, as well as the static cable for the future connection to the power grid, was completed in 2023. In September 2024, Enedis completed the work required to connect the SEM-REV grid directly to the La Baule substation, thereby increasing the injection capacity of the test site to 10 MW. A collaboration with Enedis is also underway to develop a metering system for offshore electricity production, which will be installed on the demonstrator. The test site teams are also continuing their preparation for welcoming the floating wind turbine under optimum conditions of maritime safety and environmental monitoring.
In 2027, it will be launched and towed to the SEM-REV test site, then connected to the grid to supply 6,500 people with local, low-carbon electricity.
