OREANDA-NEWS. December 11, 2013. GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, Neoen Marine, and AREVA submitted to the French government their proposals for the installation and operation of 1,000 MW of offshore wind energy – 500 MW in the Le Treport (Haute-Normandie) area and 500 MW in the vicinity of the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier (Pays-de-la-Loire).

The estimated production generated by these two wind farms could provide the electricity for 1.6 million French people.

GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, Neoen Marine and AREVA want to develop their projects through a powerful and sustainable local industrial sector in close collaboration with local stakeholders. These projects also ensure support for fishermen and concrete solutions for the protection of the environment and the landscape. As leaders in renewable energy that are already involved in 25 offshore wind projects, the partners will utilize their complementary expertise from the management of major industrial projects, offshore construction, to the technical analysis.   

Projects that create jobs and economic activity in France
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 Vendee. 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 Treport, as well as on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, mobilizing 100% local jobs.

The most powerful French offshore wind turbine
GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, and Neoen have 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.     

Innovation at the heart of the strategy
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.