Technip Energies (PARIS:TE) in partnership with Université Gustave Eiffel, Valeco, and OPEN-C Foundation, will be leading the PAREF project, an R&D program aimed at accelerating industrial-scale development of floating wind. This project is funded by the French State as part of France 2030 operated by ADEME. It aims to design, fabricate, and test a reusable anchoring system, high and low connectors, and tendons for a tension line system, all while minimizing the impact on the marine environment in real offshore conditions.

The PAREF project will provide the anchoring system for the NextFloat project. In 2022, Technip Energies, X1 Wind, and a consortium of 10 international entities were chosen by the European Commission to deliver the NextFloat project. The integrated system includes X1 Wind’s innovative and disruptive floating wind technology, featuring a lighter floater design with a reduced steel requirement, plus a compact mooring system minimizing seabed impact. The 6MW prototype will be deployed at a test site in the Mediterranean Sea to operate the concept in open-sea operational conditions.

The PAREF project is a significant step towards achieving a competitive and sustainable integrated floating offshore wind solution optimized for deep waters, significantly reducing cost and accelerating industrial-scale deployment. The NextFloat platform will provide the means to test the PAREF foundation system in situ for a minimum of two years.

Jacques Vendé, Project manager PAREF of Technip Energies, commented: “We are thrilled to be selected for the PAREF project and to play a role in France’s ambition to lead the way in decarbonized and cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, as outlined in the France 2030 plan. This project represents a significant opportunity to advance the development of sustainable energy solutions and support France’s green industry vision.”

Christelle Abadie, Research fellow at the Université Gustave Eiffel added: “We are excited to contribute our expertise in experimental testing and analysis to the PAREF project. This initiative aligns perfectly with our ongoing activities and ambition to advance the understanding of anchor design for the floating wind energy sector. Collaborating closely with Technip Energies and Open-C is essential for knowledge transfer and a deeper comprehension of anchor design. This project and partnership will help optimize anchor geometry and reduce mooring system costs, facilitating the large-scale deployment of innovative floating wind farm technologies.”

Pauline Bertrand, Director of Valeco’s Offshore Division: “The PAREF project is also an innovative approach to environmental monitoring. Environmental DNA is a new way of collecting data that can be replicated for any offshore project and we felt it was necessary to test the methodology. Our participation in the PAREF project will increase our knowledge of the marine environment and the species attracted by the floaters. It will also give us the opportunity to work with new players in the Mediterranean to test complex artificial reefs.

As our aim has always been to promote and support the development of MRE, we are proud to be involved in this project alongside Technip Energies, Gustave Eiffel University and the Open-C Foundation”.

Bertrand Alessandrini, Managing Director of the OPEN-C Foundation commented: “Hosting the PAREF project is at the core of the Foundation’s mission: test and derisk new technologies to accelerate innovation. It is essential to work together to face climate emergency and deliver French and European ambitions in terms of Marine Renewable energies”.