The selection of the Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) site marks a significant step forward in the development of the future offshore wind farm on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier. The project sponsors – Engie and EDP Renewables through their joint venture Ocean Winds, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE), Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port and Eoliennes en Mer des îles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier – recently formalized this decision in a protocol for the reservation of port land.
Power and Impact
With a capacity of around 500 MW, the wind farm is expected to supply electricity to around 800,000 people every year, equivalent to the population of the Vendée. The total investment for the project is in the region of 2.5 billion euros, and will mobilize 1,600 direct jobs in France during construction.
The collaboration between Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port and EMYN involves a 21-month land reservation at the Port of Saint-Nazaire, running from March 2024 to December 2025. The nacelles and blades will be supplied by Le Havre, while the masts will be supplied by Brest. In addition, all 62 wind turbines will be installed around the Saint-Nazaire basins between spring 2024 and autumn 2025.
Construction phase and objectives
Having received its final investment decision and the necessary administrative approvals, the first phase of construction of the wind farm begins this summer, with the actual installation of the turbines scheduled for 2025. The project, which was awarded the tender launched by the French government the previous year in 2014, will be the fifth offshore wind farm in operation in France.
At a time when France is stepping up its efforts to reach its target of 40 GW in offshore wind power by 2050, this project, backed by a consortium of shareholders including Sumitomo Corporation, Banque des Territoires and Vendée Energie, is a key element in the country’s energy transition.
“We are delighted that EMYN, Engie’s flagship project, is now entering the construction phase,” emphasized Paulo Almirante, Executive Vice President of Engie Renewables, reaffirming the group’s commitment to the French energy transition.
Future prospects
Despite the only commercial wind farm in operation off Saint-Nazaire since the end of 2022, France persists in its energy trajectory, anticipating the development of seven other offshore wind projects, despite the challenges posed by administrative procedures and legal appeals. The progress made on the Île d’Yeu and Île de Noirmoutier wind farms symbolizes not only significant progress in the development of the French offshore wind energy sector, but also a concrete step towards the country’s long-term energy objectives.
This breakthrough in offshorewind power should not be underestimated. It demonstrates France’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition, while creating jobs and providing clean electricity to a large population. It’s an example of how renewable energies can help shape the country’s energy future.
