SSE Renewables, a subsidiary of British energy group SSE plc, has officially commissioned a 28-megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm in Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye, located in the Marne department. The project marks the company’s first operational deployment in Southern Europe and expands its portfolio of renewable assets across the continent.
The site, situated in the Grand Est region, consists of eight SG 3.4-132 turbines supplied by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. The facility is now fully operational and is expected to supply electricity to several thousand households. SSE Renewables confirmed that production has stabilised and day-to-day operations are being managed by local teams.
On-time delivery and maintenance planning
Construction began at the end of 2023. Omexom, a subsidiary of Vinci Energies, led the execution of the works, supported by locally based company Pothelet. Up to 80 workers were mobilised during the peak phases of the project. The total investment exceeded €30mn ($32.3mn), aligning with initial financial projections.
SSE Renewables has implemented a continuous maintenance plan for the Marne site, including both on-site and remote technical monitoring. The maintenance is handled by regional subcontractors trained to the specifications of Siemens Gamesa turbines, ensuring rapid interventions and sustained equipment availability.
Local cooperation and long-term viability
The inauguration, held on June 12, brought together more than 60 participants, including Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region, and Charles de Courson, Member of Parliament for Marne. Several local officials, landowners, and residents of the affected municipalities were also present.
The Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye wind farm will follow a preventive maintenance schedule, aligned with the technical standards of the installed equipment. SSE Renewables stated that the facility’s operational lifespan is projected to be at least 25 years, with regular inspections planned from the first full year of operation.
Delphine Henri, France Director at SSE Renewables, praised the collaboration between internal teams and local partners, which enabled the project to be delivered as planned.
