Siemens Gamesa is to supply EDF with turbines totalling up to 1GW for two French offshore wind farms after GE Renewable Energy pulled out of the projects.
The German-Spanish manufacturer has signed a framework agreement with the developer to deliver 7MW units to a pair of as-yet unknown wind farms, subject to a final investment decision on the project.
GE, which had been exclusive supplier to all three of EDF’s French offshore wind farms, will supply 6MW turbines to the first of the schemes that secures all permits and clears all ongoing appeals.
The three projects are the 498MW Fecamp, 480MW Saint-Nazaire and 450MW Courseulles wind farms.
GE said “the cumulative excessive delays since 2012…have significantly impacted the financial characteristics of those projects” for the manufacturer.
“GE has therefore decided to review its engagement in the implementation of all these projects,” it said.
The Siemens Gamesa turbines, which will be manufactured in Le Havre, will come with a 15-year service deal.
“We thank EMF and its shareholders for their trust. This agreement again confirms Siemens Gamesa’s position as leader of the offshore wind market in France and allows us to strengthen our medium-term prospects as part of the development of the industrial project in Le Havre,” said chief executive Markus Tacke.
“Siemens Gamesa remains fully committed to meeting the needs of all its customers and ensuring that these projects are a success for the sector and for France.”