Iberdrola Renewables and AREVA have signed a preliminary agreement to develop offshore wind projects in France following the government’s announcement of a plan to reach a 6 GW target by 2020. The partners will compete for two of the country’s five offshore zones offered in a first phase of bidding.
Under the terms of the agreement, AREVA will be sole supplier of the turbines that will equip the offshore farms to be developed by Iberdrola Renewables.
“AREVA is fully committed to develop an ambitious wind offshore industry in France bringing its industry leading operational experience in 5MW-class wind turbines. The partnership with Iberdrola, a major renewable global player, is a key step in our European development and offers a tremendous opportunity for our global industrial and economical expansion,” said Anil Srivastava, CEO of AREVA Renewables.
AREVA previously announced it will partner with GDF Suez and construction group Vinci to bid on the other three zones off the coast of France. “AREVA is actively exploring potential opportunities for offshore wind projects on the U.S. East Coast,” said Steven Cuevas, Director of Offshore Wind Business Development at AREVA.
AREVA is a major player in the offshore wind industry. Its successful M5000 turbine won 600 MW of orders confirming the industry’s confidence in the group’s field-proven technology. By the end of 2013, an installed base of over 120 new turbines will be in operation in Europe.
Tags: Anil Srivastava, AREVA Renewables, GDF Suez, Iberdrola Renewables, M5000, Steven Cuevas, Vinci
