Sumitomo Joins French Offshore Wind Duo

Engie and EDP Renewables have entered into an alliance with the Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation for the development of the Dieppe et Le Tréport and Iles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier offshore wind projects in France.

As part of the alliance, Sumitomo acquires a 29.5% equity stake in the two projects and will take part in the development, construction and operation phases.

Engie remains the reference shareholder with a 31% stake, with EDP holding 29.5% and La Banque des Territoires, part of Groupe Caisse des Dépôts, 10%.

According to Engie, socio-industrial commitments remain confirmed.

The French Ministry for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition recently authorized the operation of Dieppe et Le Tréport and Iles d’Yeu et de Noirmoutier, each with a 496MW capacity.

The projects will respectively feature 62 Siemens Gamesa 8MW turbines. Offshore construction will start next year, with commissioning scheduled for 2021.

In case the wind farms are not fully commissioned by 1 July 2024, the Ministry will withdraw the authorization.