The Eolmed project, developped by Qair, is part of the French State and the Occitanie Region’s ambition to develop offshore renewable energy production. Located in Port-la-Nouvelle, this pilot project involves the construction and assembly of three floating wind turbines capable of producing nearly 110 million kWh per year — the equivalent of the electricity consumption of 50,000 residents.
The site’s proximity to residential areas and port activities raised major acoustic challenges: assessing and controlling noise emissions generated during the manufacturing of the floaters, painting, and turbine assembly.
In a complex environment combining port traffic, logistics, and residential zones, the goal was to ensure compliance with noise regulations while preserving the quality of life for local residents.
In response to these challenges, our team carried out a comprehensive acoustic impact study for the Eolmed construction site.
We conducted a ten-day baseline measurement campaign to characterize residual noise levels during both day and night periods. Based on this data, we developed a 3D acoustic model for each stage of the project — steel fabrication, painting, and turbine assembly — integrating the main noise sources (grinding, welding, shot blasting, blowing, cranes, pumps).
Our acoustic engineers applied the expert assessment method in accordance with the NFS 31-010 standard and simulated noise emissions under the most unfavorable meteorological conditions.
The analysis helped identify the most impactful operations and define noise mitigation measures, such as:
- Scheduling the loudest activities during daytime hours,
- Prioritizing indoor operations rather than outdoor ones,
- Systematically isolating vibration-generating equipment.
The study showed that, across all construction phases, no exceedance of regulatory noise limits was expected, provided that the assumed operating conditions and schedules were respected.
Our analysis enabled Eolmed to plan its operations safely within the legal framework and to prevent noise disturbance risks for nearby residents.
The results also supported the adjustment of construction schedules to ensure full acoustic compliance.
Thanks to our expertise in environmental acoustics and rigorous modeling, we helped the project owner secure an exemplary project in terms of energy transition and noise management within an industrial port environment.
