Siemens Gamesa pulls Adwen plug

Siemens Gamesa is to supply its 8MW turbine to a trio of French offshore wind farms, rather than the Adwen 8MW machine which will now be discontinued.

The manufacturer said the decision was part of plans “to focus its sales efforts on one 8MW platform”.

Further development of the AD8 technology “will be part of the company’s comprehensive product portfolio review”, said the company.

Projects shifting from Adwen to Siemens Gamesa include Engie’s 500MW Noirmoutier and 500MW Treport and Iberdrola’s 500MW Saint-Brieuc. French ministers have signed off on the former and have been informed of the change on the latter.

The company said the switch will have no impact on plans to build two factories in Le Havre, one for nacelles and one for blades, and to collaborate in the development of a local supply chain in France.

Siemens Gamesa is still targetting at least 750 new local offshore wind jobs.

“This decision is a crucial milestone for the French offshore wind industry,” said offshore chief Michael Hannibal. “Siemens Gamesa will deliver the most popular offshore wind platform and will bring its unmatched experience working in offshore projects.” 

He added: “I am convinced this will help the industry take off and I am happy to see that all parties involved, including our customers and the French State, acknowledge the benefits of installing the D8 in these projects.”

Siemens Gamesa took control of Adwen as part of its merger earlier this year.

Engie and partners EDP Renewables and Caisse des Dépôts said they are “committed to the success of this local project and share the same goal: to support the emergence of offshore wind power production in France”.

Image: Adwen