Energy giant pursues floating offshore wind

Total has signed an agreement with the developer Simply Blue Energy to acquire 80% stake in the pioneering floating wind project Erebus, located in the Celtic Sea, in Wales. The project will have a 96MW capacity and will be installed in an area with water depth of 70m.

“With its entry into floating offshore wind, Total confirms its ambition to contribute to the development of renewable energy worldwide,” said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman & CEO of Total.

“Floating offshore wind is an extremely promising and technical segment where Total brings its extensive expertise in offshore operations & maintenance.

“Total has the appropriate skills to meet the technological and financial requirements that determine the success of future floating offshore developments.”

Floating offshore wind has wide potential, opening access to sites further offshore than structures with fixed bottom technology. Floating offshore wind developments have less impact on the landscape, and benefit from very high wind resources.

GWP acquisition

Total, through Total Quadran – its 100% renewable developer and producer in France, has also acquireed 100% of Global Wind Power (GWP) France. GWP has a 1000MW portfolio of onshore wind projects, including 250MW scheduled to come on stream by 2025.

GWP’s teams will join Total Quadran, adding to the Group’s existing expertise in order to speed up the wind power development in France.

In August 2019, Total acquired renewable energy company Vents d’Oc Energies Renouvelables.