France: GDF SUEZ, EDP, Neoen, AREVA Apply for Two Offshore Wind Projects

GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, Neoen Marine, and AREVA today submitted their proposals to the French Government for the installation and operation of 1,000 MW of offshore wind energy off Le Tréport and between the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier.

The consortium wants to develop its projects through a powerful and sustainable local industrial sector in close collaboration with local stakeholders.

The construction of these two wind farms will generate close to 6,000 jobs and involve many local businesses. With the support of local authorities, chambers of commerce, and related industries, the consortium partners have met with close to 450 businesses in the regions of Normandy, Picardy, and in Pays-de-la-Loire, notably in Vendée. This network would form the base of the French offshore wind industry.

These projects will also involve the significant development of regional port facilities. At the port of Le Havre, four factories will be set up to manufacture the nacelles, blades, and other key equipment for wind turbines (bearings, multipliers, generators, etc.).

In addition, the ports of Le Havre and Saint-Nazaire will serve as construction sites for the offshore facilities. Finally, support centers for logistics, operations, and maintenance will be located at the ports of Dieppe and Le Tréport, as well as on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, mobilizing 100% local jobs.

The consortium has chosen AREVA’s new 8 MW turbine, made in France. This technology provides improved productivity and output, nearly a 40% reduction in the number of turbines at the wind farms and enhanced compatibility with local fishing activities. This turbine will also make it possible to reduce construction time and optimize wind farm maintenance.

This 8 MW turbine brings together the industrial experience and the recognized reliability of AREVA’s technological platform in the offshore wind field.

The Research & Development is an integral part of the offers presented. The partners have also initiated cooperation with local universities and research institutes to build an offshore wind industry in France, to be exported internationally in the future.

[mappress]

Press release, November 29, 2013; Image: AREVA