Adwen, an offshore wind turbine joint venture between Gamesa and Areva, has tapped Egis, Auxitec and Enia Architectes to design two factories the manufacturer plans to build in Le Havre, France.
Adwen says these facilities will produce the nacelles and blades for its 8 MW offshore wind turbines, whose serial production is scheduled to start in 2018. Adwen notes the turbines have already been selected for a pipeline of projects totaling almost 1.5 GW, including the Baie de Saint-Brieuc, Dieppe Le TrEport and Yeu-Noirmoutier projects.
Taking over Areva's commitments to develop the offshore wind industry in France, Adwen has also started building a regional network of suppliers. Specifically, the company has selected ACMH to manufacture generator covers for its 5 MW turbines, as well as ACN for supplying the pre-assembly tool for the blade bearings of its 8 MW prototype. Both companies are based in the Normandy region.
‘Since Adwen was launched, we have been committed to the development of the offshore wind industry in France, initiated by Areva," says Luis Alvarez, Adwen's general manager. "These first contracts materialize our commitment and demonstrate the engagement and competitiveness of local enterprises. I am convinced this will pave the way for more projects with numerous companies in France's western area.’
