Total acquires 20% pilot project of the Eolmed floating wind farm , located in the Mediterranean.

Wind energy is one of the many renewable sources that we can equip ourselves with for the decarbonization of the plant, together with water, solar, wave energy and atomic fusion energy.

There have always been, even for the construction of these plants, various forms of opposition, the classic NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) phenomenon, which has somehow slowed down the development of this alternative source.

In fact, the choice to create wind farms in the open sea not only has the advantage of being able to take advantage of more regular and intense currents compared to those passing on land, but it certainly mitigates the aesthetic impact of a large plant to be insert into an inhabited context.

Total , as recently announced in a statement, is continuing the development of this technology through acquisitions of companies specialized in the sector.

In fact, it becomes a 20% shareholder in the pilot project of the Eolmed floating wind farm, located in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Gruissan and near Port-La-Nouvelle (Occitan region).

Awarded in July 2016, this 30 megawatt (MW) project will accelerate the development of floating wind technology . Together with Qair, the historic developer and majority shareholder of the project, and its local partners, Total brings its expertise in the conception, implementation and exploitation of offshore installations throughout their life cycle.

Total thus continues to strengthen its position in the emerging floating offshore wind sector, in which it wants to be one of the world leaders. Today the Group is present in South Korea with a 2 gigawatt portfolio and in the United Kingdom with the 100 MW Erebus project, which has just been awarded exclusive development rights for its area.

Julien Pouget, Director of Renewables at Total, said: “This announcement once again demonstrates the Group's ambition and desire to innovate in the field of renewable energy. Floating offshore wind is a very promising segment where Total particularly brings its extensive experience in offshore projects.

Together with our partner Qair, we have the resources necessary to address the technological and financial challenges that will determine our future success. I am delighted that Total can contribute to the emergence of this new sector in France. "

“The Eolmed project is at the heart of the Occitanie region's strategy for the development of renewable energy, actively supported by local partners. It also demonstrates Qair's ambition to become a major player in floating offshore wind energy in Europe.

By joining forces with a renowned French industrial partner for this innovative project developed by our teams since 2016, Qair is strengthening its technical expertise for the realization of the Eolmed project and for future floating wind projects." adds Louis Blanchard, CEO of Qair.

Total, renewables and electricity

As part of its ambition to get to net zero by 2050, Total is building a portfolio of electricity businesses, particularly renewables, which could account for up to 40% of its sales by 2050.

By the end of 2020, Total's gross global generating capacity will be approximately 12 gigawatts, including approximately 7 gigawatts of renewable energy. With the aim of reaching 35 GW of renewable generation capacity by 2025, Total will continue to expand its business to become one of the world leaders in renewable energy.

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Photo: Qair