Siemens Gamesa has filed a construction permit application with the City of Le Havre for an industrial complex that will assemble offshore wind turbines and components for several French projects.
The planned factory in the Port of Le Havre will make the main components of Siemens Gamesa’s 8.0-167 DD wind turbine, including blades, nacelles and generators initially for the Le Treport, Saint Brieuc and Noirmoutier offshore wind projects, which together nearly total 1.5GW.
Siemens Gamesa offshore wind division chief executive Andreas Nauen said: “This is an important milestone for Siemens Gamesa and the global offshore wind industry.
“Today we are unveiling the result of months of work to turn an initial ambition into a concrete, competitive and sustainable project.
“Our experience and industry know-how, combined with a strong collaboration with valued partners, has allowed us to take this important step forward.”
Each of the three wind farms are 496MW in size. An Engie-led LEM consortium is developing the Le Treport and Noirmoutier projects, both due online in 2024.
The Iberdrola-led Ailes Marines group is developing Saint-Brieuc, which is expected to be commissioned in 2023.
Siemens Gamesa France president Filippo Cimitan said: “Le Havre and the Normandy region will play a key role in supporting the creation of a forward-looking employment pool, alongside employment and training, to ensure progressive development of the skills of our future employees.”