EDFR Engages Changhua Students in French Lifestyle Festival　Fostering Cross-Cultural Exchange and Sustainability Awareness

The "2025 French Lifestyle Festival" was grandly held from May 23 to May 25 at Dayi Park at Pier-2 in Kaohsiung. EDF Renewables (EDFR), in collaboration with its key project in Taiwan, Wei Lan Hai Changhua Offshore Wind Project, sponsored the event and co-hosted the "Ocean and Wind Energy Education Workshop" with the French Office in Taipei on May 24. Nearly 100 teachers and students from six elementary schools, including Hanbao, Wanggong, and Fangyuan Elementary Schools in Changhua County, Yueming Elementary & Junior High School in Yilan County, Shanwei Elementary School in Kaohsiung City, and Wenguang Elementary School in Penghu County, as well as international students from the French Section of Taipei European School and LIFT (Lycée International Français de Taipei), participated in the workshop. Participants learned the principles of offshore wind power through building wind turbine models and explored the coexistence of offshore wind farms and marine environments, before joining the larger celebration of the French Lifestyle Festival.

Returning for a second year in Kaohsiung, often called the "Marseille of Taiwan", the festival coincided with the upcoming 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, in June. This year's theme centered on the "French Riviera," blending Kaohsiung's port city character with marine culture, allowing the public to immerse themselves in French charm while gaining a deeper understanding of ocean culture and the importance of environmental sustainability.

Some students and teachers who participated in the workshop were part of the "Optimist Young Sailors 3.0 – Sailing Towards Blue with International Cooperation" sailing activity, co-organized by Yueming Elementary& Junior High School in Yilan and the French Office in Taipei. The young sailors departed from Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf in New Taipei City on May 19, sailing through Taoyuan, Taichung, Penghu, and Tainan, before arriving in Kaohsiung on May 24 to take part in the festival. After the workshop, all participants attended the "Optimist Young Sailors Welcome Ceremony" at the festival's main stage, where the young sailors shared their invaluable experiences in sailing and marine science exploration.

Ming-Lung Chang, General Manager of EDF Renewables Taiwan, said: "As a state-owned French energy group, we are delighted to participate in the 2025 French Lifestyle Festival. Our key project in Taiwan, Wei Lan Hai Changhua Offshore Wind Project, also joined us in this event, giving us the opportunity to lead children from Changhua in learning about ocean and wind energy. This not only helps them understand the importance of developing renewable energy but also allows them to experience the charm of French culture firsthand. Through this event, we hope to inspire the younger generation's passion for ocean protection and sustainable environmental development."

On the festival's opening day (May 23), the French Office in Taipei and the French Chamber of Commerce also led a French business delegation to meet with the Kaohsiung City Government and hosted the "Blue Dialogue: A Sustainable Meeting between Kaohsiung and France" . Representatives from French and Taiwanese companies in the maritime industry, port innovation, sustainable operations, and the blue economy participated in the exchange. EDF Renewables was invited to attend, with General Manager Ming-Lung Chang sharing France's experience in offshore wind power development and sustainable marine resource management. She stated: "Offshore wind power is a key driver for developing the circular economy. It not only enables effective use of marine resources but also offers win-win solutions for environmental protection and economic growth. EDF Renewables is actively developing the Phase 3, Round 1 'Wei Lan Hai Changhua Offshore Wind Project' in Taiwan. The clean electricity generated will contribute to Taiwan's energy transition and marine economic development, and provide 100% clean green energy to industries and corporations in urgent need of renewable power."