Siemens Gamesa has signed a turbine order for the 496MW Saint-Brieuc offshore wind project off the French coast.
The contract with developer Ailes Marine is for 62 SG 8.0-167 DD offshore wind turbines as well as a 10-year maintenance agreement.
The contract marks the final investment decision on the €2.4bn project.
Siemens Gamesa will produce the main components for all the 8MW turbines for the project at its planned offshore wind turbine factory in Le Havre (pictured).
The site includes a logistics zone dedicated to the installation of offshore wind farm projects and will lead to the creation of 750 jobs that will begin manufacturing in 2021.
Components for he wind turbines’ foundations will be assembled in a dedicated 11 hectare site at the Brest polder.
The heavylift dock at the Port of Brest, as well as other French ports, potentially, will be used for pre-construction, logistics and components transportation to the wind farm site.
Siemens Gamesa offshore chief executive Andreas Nauen said: “We are extremely excited to add France to the many markets around the world where our offshore wind turbines contribute to providing clean energy and combatting climate change.
“Making Bay of Saint Brieuc Siemens Gamesa’s first firm offshore order in France is a historic moment and a testament to our dedication to growth in the market, and to driving the globalisation of offshore wind energy.
“We thank Ailes Marines for their confidence in our products as well as our manufacturing plans for France.”
Ailes Marines president and Ibedrola international offshore business director Javier Garcia Perez said: “By selecting Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s 8MW wind turbines, Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm secures a best-in-class, high-performance technology.
“Ailes Marines is fully committed to the development of the French offshore wind industry, which is creating thousands of high-skilled jobs, driving the green economic and industrial recovery of France and contributing to delivering the renewables-led net zero targets.”