EDF Energies Nouvelles, a subsidiary of the EDF Group dedicated to renewable energies, announces a new partnership with Enbridge Inc., one of the leaders in North America in the energy sector, particularly in the renewables market.
The agreement concerns the development, construction and operation of three French offshore wind farms, totaling 1,400 MW of installed capacity.
As part of this partnership, Enbridge acquires 50% shares in Eolien Maritime France (EMF), a company which controls the three future offshore wind farms. EMF will thus be owned equally by EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge.
Enbridge Inc., leader in North America in the fields of transmission, distribution and production of electricity, displays strong ambition in the renewable energy sector, with 2,000 MW net of capacity already operated or under construction. EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge have been partners since 2012 in Canada, where together they operate four wind farms representing a cumulative installed capacity of 830 MW. Through this new alliance, Enbridge is continuing its development in the European offshore wind market.
In 2012, following the first call for tenders organized by the French State, EMF, a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, won three offshore wind projects:
– Hautes Falaises Offshore Wind Turbines with an installed capacity of 498 MW in the English Channel, off the coast of Fécamp;
– Banc de Guérande Park with an installed capacity of 480 MW in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Saint-Nazaire;
– Offshore wind turbines from Calvados with an installed capacity of 450 MW in the English Channel, off the coast of Courseulles-sur-Mer.
Following extensive consultation carried out locally, and in-depth technical and environmental studies carried out since 2011, the development of these three projects is actively continuing. The gradual start of their construction is planned from 2017.
Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group, declared: “Together, our subsidiary EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge will be driving forces in the development of this new French industrial sector of offshore wind power. Our shared vision of strategy and the complementarity of our expertise bodes well for a solid partnership. The construction of these future wind farms will allow the EDF Group to provide its customers with carbon-free, reliable and decentralized energy. This is an illustration of what the energy transition law for green growth wants to promote in France and it fits perfectly with CAP 2030, the Group's strategy for the years to come, which provides for a doubling of energy capacities. renewable by 2030.”
Antoine Cahuzac, Executive Director of the EDF Group, in charge of the Renewable Energies Sector and Managing Director of EDF Energies Nouvelles, added: “Today, the EDF Group is taking a strategic step to continue the development and strengthen the efficiency of its portfolio of renewable assets in France. The development of these future offshore wind farms will generate significant economic benefits for France and will create numerous jobs during the construction and operation of these parks. This once again proves the key role of the Group in the renewable energy market in the country. »
Al Monaco, Chairman and CEO of Enbridge Inc., concluded: “For Enbridge, this partnership is a unique opportunity to increase our investments in the growing offshore wind market in Europe, in line with our strategy. We have already established an excellent relationship with EDF Energies Nouvelles in onshore wind power in North America. This investment in EMF is a natural extension of this and we intend to strengthen this relationship and our role in the co-development of these important renewable projects. »
About EDF Energies NouvellesEDF Energies Nouvelles is an international leader in renewable electricity with an installed capacity of more than 9 GW gross worldwide. Its development is mainly focused on wind power and photovoltaic solar power. Mainly present in Europe and North America, EDF EN continues its development by taking a position in new promising markets and in new countries such as South Africa, Brazil, Chile, China and India. The Company, which is strongly positioned in the offshore wind sector, is also present in other renewable energy sectors: marine energies, biogas and biomass as well as in distributed energies. EDF EN ensures the development and construction of renewable energy projects as well as their operation and maintenance, for its own account and on behalf of third parties. EDF Energies Nouvelles is the subsidiary of the EDF group dedicated to the development of renewable energies.
Press ContactsManon of Cassini-Hérail ▪ Tel: +33 {0} 1.40.90.48.22 ▪ e-mail: manon.decassini-herail@edf-en.com
Clarisse Placidoux ▪ Tel: +33 {0} 1.40.90.49.46 ▪ e-mail: clarisse.placidoux@edf-en.com