Bureau Veritas Certifies Provence Grand Large Project
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, is pleased to announce the successful certification of the Provence Grand Large (PGL) floating offshore wind project, a pioneering renewable energy initiative developed and owned by EDF power solutions, Enbridge and CPP Investments.
Provence Grand Large represents a significant advancement in France's sustainable energy landscape. Situated off the coast of Fos-sur-Mer, this cutting-edge offshore wind installation demonstrates the potential of floating wind technology. The project comprises three wind turbines, each with 8-megawatt capacity, capable of generating enough electricity annually to meet the needs of approximately 45,000 households.
This project brings together a consortium of industry leaders. EDF power solutions acted as the primary developer, leveraging its extensive expertise in renewable energy. Siemens Gamesa provided the wind turbines and towers, while SBM Offshore and IFPEN collaborated on the innovative floating foundation design. Eiffage Métal managed the complex fabrication process, and Prysmian supplied the projects’ dynamic cables.
BV has been an integral part of the PGL project's journey since 2017, applying rigorous international certification methodologies. The certification process began with a thorough design documentation review, aiming to verify that technical specifications comply with applicable industry standards.
The certification journey continued through manufacturing oversight. BV experts monitored the production of critical components across multiple continents, performing quality control throughout the process. The final assembly at Eiffage Métal's Fos-sur-Mer facility received particular attention, with BV experts conducting detailed inspections and assessments.
Transportation and installation phases equally demanded careful scrutiny. The BV project team worked closely with the marine warranty surveyor to ensure safe and precise deployment of this complex offshore infrastructure. The final commissioning tests, witnessed by BV experts, confirmed the project's operational readiness.
Since its commissioning, the Provence Grand Large project has operated safely and efficiently while meeting the performance parameters established during the design phase. This achievement represents more than just a technical success, it signifies a crucial step towards the commercialization of floating offshore wind technology in France.
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said: "Congratulations to the Provence Grand Large team for this achievement in renewable energy innovation. We are delighted to have supported EDF power solutions, Enbridge and CPP Investments in bringing this project to fruition. Provence Grand Large demonstrates the immense potential of floating offshore wind technology and France's commitment to sustainable energy solutions."