The background
Nestled in the picturesque southwest region of France, the Provence Grand Large (PGL) project is making waves in the renewable energy landscape. With a relentless focus on innovation and energy advancement, PGL is all set to transform the future of clean energy. This unique initiative pioneers three imposing 8.4 MW floating turbines, approximately 17 kilometers away from Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, near Marseille.
The project’s ambitious aim is to usher in a new generation of floating offshore wind platforms. The ultimate goal? To implement this floating wind technology on a commercial scale, reshaping the way we think about wind energy.
The challenge
For the first time globally, wind turbines will be installed on large floats, which are anchored to the seabed using tension legs. These colossal floats, measuring 45 meters in height and 80 meters in width, provide a sturdy base for the wind turbines. This innovative technology offers significant technical potential, as it can be deployed in deep water areas.
This type of float also offers significant environmental advantages, such as no disturbance to the seabed and a reduced footprint compared to existing technologies. The project also incorporates the use of dynamic cables, which move in sync with the turbines, further reducing ecological impact.
The generated electricity is transported via a 30 km connection cable, including 19 km at sea, to the public electricity network in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone.
The action
JASPERS experts assisted the French Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region and EDF Renouvelables, the project beneficiary, in preparing the project and the necessary documentation to apply for EU funds.
Our work was diverse, ranging ranging from demand analysis and technical feasibility assessment, ensuring alignment with the Operational Programme, conducting a cost-benefit analysis (CBA), to addressing aspects related to environmental and climate change.
In relation to the CBA, renewable energy projects often face challenges in generating power at a cost that can compete with traditional energy sources. Despite this, their financing with public funds is deemed justifiable due to the knowledge and learning they generate, which ultimately contributes to technological advancement. JASPERS assisted the promoter to develop a methodology to quantify and monetise the economic value of learning within the CBA. This methodology is grounded on “learning curves” that depict the expected reduction in unit costs as a result of cumulative technology deployment. This approach takes into account not only the immediate costs but also recognises the long-term benefits of learning and development in the renewable energy sector.
The results
As we grapple with the realities of climate change, initiatives like the PGL project ensure a greener and more sustainable future for us all. The wind turbines are expected to generate approximately 100 GWh/year, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of 45,000 individuals.
Supported by EU funds and financed through a loan from the European Investment Bank, the project stands as an example on how JASPERS’ assistance can effectively harness the strengths of both European institutions.
This project promises to foster EU's technological leadership in wind energy, driving long-term economic growth and potential savings in terms of foundations and installation costs. It will also test a promising new technology, the tensioned leg platform, and implement it on a larger scale.
PGL is also a catalyst for local economic growth and job creation as it aspires to establish the floating wind sector as a leader in the Region Sud, Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur. This leadership is expected to have far-reaching positive effects, including advancements in research and innovation, improvements in education and training, and boosts to economic growth and employment opportunities. It is projected to create around 100 direct jobs, with the potential for additional indirect and induced employment opportunities, estimated by the promoter to be around 1,000.
