Siemens Gamesa has secured a firm turbine order for the 448MW Courseulles-sur-Mer offshore wind farm off the coast of France, after the consortium behind the developed reached financial close.
The German-Spanish manufacturer will supply 64 7MW turbines and provide a 15-year service agreement for the project 10km off the Bessin coast.
Turbine installation and commissioning at the wind farm, being developed by EDF Renewables, Enbridge and WPD, is scheduled for 2024.
Both the wind turbine nacelles and blades for the Courseulles-sur-Mer project are scheduled to be produced at the Siemens Gamesa facility currently under construction in Le Havre.
The facility on the Quai Joannès Couvert will manufacture complete offshore nacelles and blades under one roof. It is the largest industrial project in the French renewable energy industry to date. Start of operation for the plant is scheduled to take place in the first half of 2022.
Marc Becker, chief executive of the Siemens Gamesa offshore unit, said: “We are delighted to again be the partner of choice for EDF Renewables, Enbridge, and WPD, and to deliver our second firm French offshore order to them.
“As we unlock more of the future of wind in France, we thank them for their vote of confidence in our technology, people, and ambitious growth plans in the country. Our facility in Le Havre and the Courseulles-sur-Mer project including service will provide local jobs and value for years to come.”
Construction at the wind farm is starting after the development partners confirmed final financing agreements.
The total project cost is estimated at around €2bn. The majority will be financed through non-recourse project finance debt.
The three and a half-year construction project will create over 1000 direct jobs in Normandy and will contribute to the development of the French’s offshore wind industry, said the partners.
Final contracts have also been signed with Saipem for monopile foundations, Prysmian for offshore cabling the Chantiers de l’Atlantique/GE Grid Solutions/SDI consortium for the offshore substation.