EDF Energies Nouvelles and Alstom announced the signature of an exclusive agreement to respond jointly to a call for tenders that the French government is planning to launch for offshore wind projects. The agreement covers the future construction of offshore wind farms developed by EDF Energies Nouvelles and its partners and equipped with offshore wind turbines manufactured by Alstom. This alliance is intended to help meet the French government’s objectives of installing 6,000MW in offshore wind energy capacity in France by 2020. It illustrates the determination of both groups to foster the emergence of a French competitive industry creating jobs.

Under the agreement between the two groups, Alstom is the exclusive supplier of 6 MW offshore wind turbines, based on leading technologies available on the market from 2013 onwards. The industrial plan might lead to the creation of several plants in France to handle component production and assembly. It is also intended to involve other French companies active in R&D activities for equipment and construction engineering. Through this project, Alstom aims to become a major industrial force in the French offshore wind energy segment and one of the leaders in this promising global market.

Leveraging its market-leading expertise in wind energy development, EDF Energies Nouvelles brings the experience acquired over several years in offshore wind energy, notably through two major projects, namely C Power, a 325MW wind farm under construction off the coast of Belgium, of which 30MW are already in service, and the 67MW Teesside project developed in the United Kingdom, construction of which is currently starting up. The offshore wind projects that should be part of this alliance with Alstom are those being developed by EDF EN and its partners within a consortium. Alstom will be the exclusive manufacturer for all these projects.

Philippe Cochet, Senior Vice-President of Alstom Hydro & Wind, stated: “We have gained experience in wind energy and possess an offshore technology that will enable generating electricity cost-effectively. Alstom is ready to develop an industry based in France generating jobs and exports.” 

Yvon André, Chief Operating Officer of EDF Energies Nouvelles in charge of operations in France, emphasised: “This partnership illustrates our determination, whichever the segment, to participate in the emergence of new industries in France and to harness our leadership position in renewable electricity generation as part of long-term industrial dynamics.”