SSE Renewables, a division of British utility SSE Plc, has commenced the construction of a 27.2-MW wind farm in the Grand-Est region of northeastern France, signaling the company's first venture beyond the shores of the UK and Ireland.
Announced on Thursday, the Chaintrix-Bierges and Velye Wind Farm, located in the Marne department, will entail an investment exceeding EUR 30 million (USD 32.6 million), according to SSE Renewables. The project aims to deploy eight Siemens Gamesa SG 3.4-132 wind turbines and is slated to commence electricity generation by the end of the coming year. The anticipated annual output is anticipated to fulfill the energy needs of over 14,000 households.
The Balance of Plant works for the Chaintrix-Bierges and Velye project will be executed through a collaboration between lead contractor Pothelet and civil contractor Pothelet.
This initiative marks the first project to materialize from the approximately 3.9-GW European renewable energy development platform that SSE Renewables acquired from Siemens Gamesa in the previous year. The successful implementation of the Chaintrix-Bierges and Velye Wind Farm aligns with SSE Renewables' broader strategy to elevate its operational renewable capacity to over 9 GW by the year 2027.
SSE Renewables' foray into the French market reflects a strategic expansion beyond its traditional operational territories, positioning the company to contribute significantly to the growing renewable energy landscape in continental Europe.
