- Creation of two companies in Rouen and Nantes
- 6,000 jobs across France
- 2018: manufacturing of 8MW AREVA wind turbines to begin in Le Havre
- 2019: construction of wind farms begins - 2021: output begins
- Renewable electricity supply for 1.6 million people
- Fight against climate change
Regulatory News:
Following a national public tender process, the French State has selected the group comprising GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, Neoen Marine and AREVA (Paris:AREVA) to install and operate offshore wind farms in the areas of Tréport (Upper Normandy, 500MW) and the Isles of Yeu and Noirmoutier (Pays de la Loire, 500MW).
The partners are delighted about the decision, which is testament to the quality, competitiveness and environmental scope of the projects as well as the group's expertise already involved in 25 offshore wind farms and the dialogue undertaken with the regions. The success of these bids, presented with local players, supports the emergence of a French offshore wind power sector which will generate activity and jobs throughout the country and lay the foundations for international expansion.
Creation of two local companies and thousands of jobs in France
To promote integration and dialogue among all of the partners involved, GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables and Neoen Marine have incorporated two local companies, one in Rouen (Les Eoliennes en mer de Dieppe-Le Tréport) and another in Nantes (Les Eoliennes en mer de Vendée) and have created a dedicated project team.
The two wind farms will create almost 6,000 direct and indirect jobs. Various local businesses in the Grand Ouest (Poitou-Charentes, Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Upper Normandy, Lower Normandy) and in Picardy and Nord-Pas de Calais will be involved in the manufacturing and installation of the components for the farms.
The choice of the new AREVA 8MW wind turbine will allow for increased productivity and enhanced performance, with a 40% reduction in the number of turbines and greater compatibility with fishing activity. This wind turbine also offers the advantage of cutting construction time and optimising wind farm maintenance.
Next phases
- 2014-2015: Ongoing information and dialogue with the public and local stakeholders, technical and financial feasibility studies and detailed environmental studies
- 2014: Beginning of the Research Development activities in the new R&D centre in Rouen
- 2015-2017: Gradual selection of suppliers, principally of foundations, electrical sub-stations and installation and maintenance services for the wind farms
- 2018: Manufacturing of 8MW AREVA wind turbines to begin in Le Havre
- 2019-2021: Construction of the wind farms in the two areas
- 2021: Commissioning. Operation and maintenance shall be undertaken out of the ports of Dieppe and Tréport for the Tréport wind farm and out of the ports of l'Herbaudière and Port-Joinville for the Isles of Yeu and Noirmoutier farm.
About GDF SUEZ
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services.GDF SUEZ employs 147,200people worldwide and achieved revenues of €81,3 billion in 2013. The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20).
About EDP Renewables
EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the world's third-largest wind energy producer. With a sound development pipeline, first class assets and market-leading operating capacity, EDPR has undergone exceptional development in recent years and is currently present in 12 markets (Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the US, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, the UK and Romania). Energias de Portugal, S.A. ("EDP"), the majority shareholder of EDPR, is a global energy company and a leader in value creation, innovation and sustainability. EDP is Portugal's largest industrial group and the only Portuguese company to form part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (World and STOXX).
About Neoen Marine
Neoen Marine is a French company specialized in the development of Marine Renewable Energy projects. Neoen Marine has built a unique expertise in the management of environmental and technical challenges for offshore wind projects. Its strong local and territorial involvement, started in 2008, has led Neoen Marine to build attractive, harmonious and responsible projects. Neoen Marine is a 40% subsidiary of La Caisse des Dépôts and 60% of neoen, a French Independent Energy Producer. Already active in France and Portugal with a portfolio of assets exceeding 200 MW, neoen targets 1,000 MW for 2016, establishing its foothold on high potential markets in Central and North America as well as Africa and Australia.
About AREVA
AREVA is a world leader in nuclear power. The group's offer to utilities covers every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, reactor design and construction, and operating services. Its expertise and uncompromising dedication to safety make it a leading industry player.
AREVA also invests in renewable energies to develop, via partnerships, high technology solutions.
Through the complementary nature of nuclear and renewables, AREVA's 45,000 employees contribute to building tomorrow's energy model: supplying the greatest number of people with energy that is safer and with less CO2
Contacts:
Press contacts:
GDF SUEZ
Tel France: +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35
Tel Belgium: +32 2 510 76 70
E-mail: gdfsuezpress@gdfsuez.com
or
AREVA
Tel France: +33 (0)1 34 96 12 15
E-mail: press@areva.com
or
EDP Renewables
Frédéric Lanoe Tel : +33 (0) 1 44 67 81 49
E-mail :frederic.lanoe@edpr.com
or
Neoen Marine
Philippe Dechelotte, Tel France: +33 (0)6 09 41 11 20
E-mail: philippe.dechelotte@neoen.com
