With the commissioning of this 12 MW wind farm, GDF SUEZ passes the 1,000 MW mark in operatingwind energy in France and strengthens its position as the country’s wind power leader. The Group has ambitious development plans for this industrial segment:
– to reach 2,000 MW of onshore installed wind power capacity in France by 2016 and
– to contribute to the development of offshore wind energy and the creation of French offshore wind turbines industry.
On the occasion of the Guerville wind farm inauguration, Gérard Mestrallet, GDF SUEZ Chairman and CEO, said: "Reaching the 1,000 MW mark in onshore wind power in France demonstrates the commitment and ambition of GDF SUEZ in renewable energies, and our determination to develop efficient, economical and environment-friendly power projects in French heartland. To this end, GDF SUEZ has great ambitions in Haute-Normandie, a region where the Group already has a strong presence."
GDF SUEZ, wind power leader and second electricity operator in France
With over 1,000 MW of installed power capacity and a 16% market share, GDF SUEZ is the leading wind power producer in France. Its expertise covers the entire industry segment and benefits from the wind power experience of its specialized subsidiaries located throughout France – Compagnie du Vent, CN’Air, Eole Generation, Erelia, Maïa Eolis and Maïa EolMer. Their local connections enable GDF SUEZ and its subsidiaries to develop joint, environmentally-sensitive projects adapted to local conditions. With a total electrical production capacity of over 8,000 MW, GDF SUEZ is the second electricity operator in France. Since 2008 the Group has been the largest developer and investor in new electrical production capacity, especially in renewable.
GDF SUEZ, candidate to operate offshore wind farms in France
GDF SUEZ seeks to develop offshore wind energy and create a competitive, sustainable, and job-producing industry in France. For that purpose, the Group created a consortium with Vinci to respond to the French government call for tenders for the construction of 3,000 MW offshore wind by 2015. The consortium will be working with two major industry partners that will provide the offshore wind turbines in designated zones – Areva in the Dieppe-Le Tréport (departments of Seine-Maritime and Somme), Courseulles-sur-Mer (Calvados) and Fécamp (Seine-Maritime) zones; and Siemens in the Saint-Brieuc (Côtes d’Armor department) zone.
GDF SUEZ has recognized know-how and experience in the offshore wind energy field thanks to over ten years’ experience in close to 30 projects of this kind in Europe. Its specialized subsidiaries, such as Ineo, Fabricom and Tractebel Engineering, provide answers for every phase of offshore wind energy projects, from feasibility studies and preparation to operation and maintenance.
With nearly 2,650 employees in the Haute-Normandie region, GDF SUEZ is active in each of its business areas (energy, services and environment), particularly through its subsidiaries Axima Seitha, Cofely, Endel, Ineo, Lyonnaise des Eaux, Novergie, GrDF, GRTgaz, Savelys and Sita. The Group actively contributes to the region’s economic development, and has invested over €130 million in Haute-Normandie since 2008.
For many years, GDF SUEZ has also conducted important offshore wind energy projects in the region. Since
2005, through its Compagnie du Vent subsidiary, the Group has been developing the Deux Côtes offshore wind project in the Dieppe-Le Tréport zone. The project involves the establishment of 140 wind turbines for a total output of 700 MW, and will provide electricity for 900,000 area residents. Another GDF SUEZ subsidiary, Maïa EolMer, is studying a project in the Fécamp zone.
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, combating climate change and optimizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF SUEZ employs 218,350 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €84.5 billion in 2010. The Group is listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.
