GDF, EDP collaborate to seek 1,000MW offshore wind projects in France

GDF SUEZ, a French electric utility company, has collaborated with Spanish renewable energy developer EDP Renewables to jointly seek contracts to develop 1,000MW offshore wind projects in France.

The projects to be offered through next public tender are the 500MW project in Le Tréport, Haute-Normandie and 500MW near the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, Pays-de-la-Loire.

Both the companies have inked an industrial partnership agreement with Areva pertaining to the design and the construction of off-shore wind turbines.

Through this partnership, GDF SUEZ and EDP Renewables are intending to construct profitable projects in alliance with all stakeholders.

These new offshore wind farms would contribute to re-industrialisation and participate in the development of an industrial sector in France which will benefit training and employment, the company said in a statement.

The tenders are to be submitted to the French Regulatory Commission of Energy by 29 November 2014.

The offers will be evaluated by the French State based on technical, financial, industrial, social and environmental criteria.

GDF SUEZ and EDP have a consolidated installed renewable energy capacity of 36,000MW, besides plans to add more 7,000MW of energy.

In offshore wind industry, both the project developers are currently involved in the construction of 15 projects accounting for a total capacity of 5,000MW.

EDP Renewables is a co-owner of two offshore sites and GDF SUEZ is involved in the 450MW Mermaid offshore wind farm project located off the Belgian coast.