First Turbine installed for 496 MW Offshore wind project in France

Iberdrola has announced the installation of the first wind turbine at the 496 MW offshore wind project in the bay of Saint-Brieuc, France. The wind project will be installed over an area of 75 sq km in the Bay of Saint Brieuc, some 16 km (9.94 miles) off the French coast. 

The turbine is located at position SB44 on the northern part of the site and serves as a major breakthrough for Brittany's offshore wind turbine ambitions. The project will now progress to the installation phase of the remaining 62 turbines. The Brave Tern vessel will be used to transport components for four wind turbines per trip from Le Havre to the site, which supports the gradual assembly process. Wind turbines for the Saint-Brieuc wind farm are manufactured in France at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy's facility in Le Havre. The towers are equipped by Haizea Wind in the Brest polder.

With the installation of wind turbines in the region, the government hopes to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and shift towards cleaner energy sources. Once operational the facility will generate 1,820 GWh per year, enough power to meet the daily electricity needs of more than 830,000 homes.