Ocean Winds has taken a significant step forward in renewable energy by successfully installing its first offshore wind turbine at the Îles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier (EMYN) offshore wind farm off the French coast. This milestone marks an essential phase in the project’s development, which aims to harness sustainable energy to meet future power demands.
The Yeu-Noirmoutier wind farm, situated off the Atlantic coast of the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier in France, is projected to supply clean energy to nearly 800,000 people. This advancement underscores the role of offshore wind power in the transition to greener energy solutions. The project demonstrates Ocean Winds’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices.
Marc Hirt, Ocean Winds’ Country Manager for France, commented: “The installation of EMYN’s first turbine is a powerful demonstration of Ocean Winds’ commitment to France’s energy transition and our contribution to offshore wind development in the country and in the region. A remarkable feature of EMYN is its strong European and French industrial footprint for the construction phase: 95% of the project’s Tier 1 suppliers are European, with over 50% sourced in France. It is a proud moment for our teams and partners who have worked with determination and precision to reach this key moment.”
The installation process for the turbine involved complex logistics and advanced engineering techniques. Offshore wind installations face unique challenges due to their location; transportation and stability against marine conditions are particularly critical. Teams of engineers and construction specialists coordinated the operation, ensuring the turbine was securely positioned for optimal energy generation.
This development reflects the increasing momentum in the offshore wind sector. As demand for renewable energy grows, infrastructure projects like Yeu-Noirmoutier highlight the potential for large-scale wind farms to significantly contribute to countries’ energy grids. By investing in these technologies, companies like Ocean Winds are paving the way toward a more sustainable energy future.
Technological advancements have enabled the construction of durable turbines that can withstand harsh ocean environments. These turbines are designed for efficiency and longevity, and their deployment is a testament to the progress made in renewable energy technology. 61 Siemens Gamesa turbines (8MW/unit) are set to be installed by September 2025.
Frédéric Flaus, Project Director for EMYN, added: “We are proud to have successfully installed the first wind turbine on the EMYN project, a symbol of the excellent collaboration between all contractors and the EMYN project team. With this milestone, we have entered the final months of construction before commissioning at the end of the year.”
The successful turbine installation not only strengthens Ocean Winds’ portfolio but also creates opportunities for future projects and collaborations. Countries worldwide are increasingly recognizing the benefits of offshore wind power, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts.
As Ocean Winds continues to develop the Yeu-Noirmoutier wind farm, it will play a crucial role in France’s energy landscape. The project aligns with national goals to expand renewable energy sources and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. It also affirms France’s commitment to environmental sustainability and energy independence.
Yara Chakhtoura, Managing Director for Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa France, mentioned: “The installation of the first offshore turbine at Yeu-Noirmoutier marks an important milestone towards achieving the ambitious targets of offshore wind in France. Our Le Havre factory is central to achieving these targets and, once its expansion is completed, it will become an essential link in our European offshore wind production network. We are proud to manufacture and install the turbines for this offshore wind farm and thereby contributing to the energy transition and decarbonization in France.”
More than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs have been created during the entire construction phase. The project will generate 85 long-term direct jobs once operational.
In conclusion, the first offshore turbine at Yeu-Noirmoutier represents a significant leap in renewable energy projects. It showcases the potential of offshore wind farms to contribute substantially to clean energy production, encouraging further investment in technologies that promise a sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.
Source: Ocean Winds Successfully Installs First Offshore Turbine at Yeu-Noirmoutier
Photo Credit: Ocean Winds
