Siemens Gamesa has started manufacturing both its patented offshore Direct Drive wind-turbine nacelles and IntegralBlades at its new manufacturing facility in Le Havre, France. The world’s first facility to encompass both offshore wind-turbine nacelles and blade manufacturing under one roof, it is the largest industrial renewable energy project in France.
A dedicated installation hub is also under finalization on the same plot, allowing direct load out of wind-turbine components to French offshore wind-power plants. Locally in Le Havre, the first 500 positions out of the 750 total direct and indirect jobs to be created have been filled. The remaining 250 positions are expected to be filled by early 2023.
“Producing our first offshore wind-power components in Le Havre is electrifying,” said Marc Becker, CEO of the Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit. “This investment serves as a major driver of the economic growth story in Normandy and in the French offshore wind industry. With the world’s first offshore nacelle and blade factory under one roof, we can unlock the power of wind for our customers and the people of France. We are energized to lead the way, especially coupled with solid orders and the government’s recent French Offshore Sector Deal.”
Siemens Gamesa and local partners UIMM Le Havre, AFPI, and AFPA have created a dedicated training center for new employees and the new offshore wind specific competencies that are needed. This investment in people is the first training center in France solely dedicated to the production of wind turbine nacelles and blades.
“The first nacelles and blades headed for the Bay of Saint Brieuc and the Fecamp projects are tangible proof of the power of commitment to renewable energy in France,” said Filippo Cimitan, managing director of Siemens Gamesa France. “The French Offshore Sector Deal recently signed by the French government commits to 18 GW to be installed by 2035 and for awards growing from 2 GW per year from 2025 onwards. The growth path is crystal clear. We look very much forward to executing our strong French offshore order pipeline with components from the plant.”
More info www.siemensgamesa.com/en-int
