In a momentous occasion for France's renewable energy sector, the 500MW Fécamp offshore wind farm, situated off the coast of Normandy, has been officially inaugurated by the developer consortium, graced by the presence of Roland Lescure, the French Minister Delegate for Industry and Energy.
Since its first megawatt-hour of production in July 2023, to the final installation of turbines, the wind farm has seamlessly integrated into the national grid, showcasing a collaborative effort involving regional infrastructures and expertise.
The project, which spanned three years, enlisted approximately 3000 jobs within the Normandy region, underlining a total investment of around €2bn. Notably, local employment received a boost with the establishment of around 100 jobs for the wind farm's maintenance operations, stationed at the Grand Quai peninsula in Fécamp.
Matthew Akman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and President of Power at Enbridge Inc., expressed his sentiments, stating, “The successful completion of the Fécamp Offshore Wind Farm marks a significant milestone for Enbridge and our project partners.”
Bill Rogers, Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainable Energies at CPP Investments, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of long-term capital and expertise in driving the global energy transition.
EDF group chairman and chief executive, Luc Rémont, commended the collaborative efforts, highlighting, “We are very proud to inaugurate the first offshore wind farm in Normandy,” while expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved.
The project's significance extends beyond mere infrastructure, as Thomas Karst, Chief Executive of Skyborn, noted, “Commissioning Fécamp is a significant step in advancing the clean energy transition in France and Europe.”
Throughout its development and construction phases, the Fécamp Offshore Wind Farm project prioritized consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring mutual benefits. Noteworthy adaptations, such as aligning turbines with currents to accommodate fishing activities, underscore the project's commitment to sustainable coexistence with the environment.
As the wind farm enters its operational phase, collaboration with local stakeholders and ongoing environmental monitoring remain integral, promising a future of renewable energy synergy in Normandy.
