Germany-based wind engineering firm Siemens Gamesa has started producing nacelles and blades at its new manufacturing facility in Le Havre, France.
The facility is manufacturing the company’s patented Direct Drive wind turbine nacelles and IntegralBlades.
It is claimed to be the world’s first facility to produce both offshore wind turbine nacelles and blades in one location.
Siemens Gamesa Offshore Business Unit CEO Marc Becker said: “Producing our first offshore wind power components in Le Havre is electrifying.
“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.
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By GlobalData“We are energised to lead the way, especially coupled with solid orders and the government’s recent French Offshore Sector Deal.”
Siemens Gamesa’s new facility is said to be the largest industrial renewable energy project in France, having created 750 direct and indirect jobs in the region.
The company said that the first 500 of these jobs have been taken and the remaining vacancies are due to be filled by early next year.
Siemens Gamesa France managing director Filippo Cimitan said: “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.
“The French Offshore Sector Deal recently signed by the French Government commits 18GW to be installed by 2035 and for awards growing from 2GW a year from 2025 onwards.”
Siemens Gamesa currently has almost 2.5GW of capacity in France. Its new manufacturing plant is intended to bolster the company’s presence in the region.
The firm has also created a training centre for new employees in partnership with UIMM Le Havre, AFPI and AFPA.