EDF Renewables’ 480MW Saint-Nazaire wind farm off France has cleared the final permitting hurdle after the country’s supreme administrative court Conseil d-Etat ruled against an appeal.
The ruling is an “endorsement of the robustness” of the project 12km off the west coast, according to EDF.
A concession for the project was first secured in 2012. The wind farm is due for commissioning in 2022.
EDF Renewables chairman Bruno Bensasson said: “The Conseil d’Etat’s decision is a ringing endorsement of the robust groundwork undertake by EDF Renewables’ and Enbridge’s teams which have been working for 10 years with professionalism, openness and dedication on bringing the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind project through to fruition.”
He added: “I also wish to salute the backing for the project we received from the local parties. It allowed us to be ready to open the way for marine renewable energies to take shape in France. It will deliver a boost to the local economy.”
The wind farm, which is being developed in the EMF consortium alongside US outfit Enbridge, is expected to feature GE Haliade 6MW turbines.
The US manufacturer welcomed the court ruling.
“This is a significant step for offshore wind in France, and we are excited to be part of it. GE remains committed to execute one offshore wind project and our team in Saint-Nazaire will move forward with the assembly of the Haliade-150 6MW once EMF reaches financial close and issues the notice-to-proceed.”