Offshore Wind : GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, Neoen Marine and AREVA Underline Commitments with Local Stakeholders

Regulatory News:

During a meeting with economic and political stakeholders in the French regions of Haute-Normandie and Picardie, GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, Neoen Marine and AREVA (Paris:AREVA) have reaffirmed their ambitions to develop innovative, concerted and local environmentally friendly offshore wind projects at the sites of Le Tréport (Haute-Normandie - 500 MW) and the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier (Pays de la Loire - 500 MW).

Projects that create local jobs and economic activities

As many as 6,000 direct and indirect jobs could be generated, involving many local businesses. Supported by the local authorities, chambers of commerce, and industry, the consortium partners also met with more than 500 companies located primarily in Normandy, Picardy, Brittany, and Pays de la Loire, to build a local industrial ecosystem which will form the base of a robust French offshore wind sector.

These projects also support the development of the regional ports. At Le Havre, four plants will be established to manufacture the nacelles, blades, and other key components of wind turbines (bearings, multiplying gear, generators, etc.). In addition, the ports of Le Havre and Saint-Nazaire will provide support platforms for the construction of the wind farms. Moreover, the operation and maintenance centers will be installed at the ports of Dieppe and Tréport, as well as on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, mobilizing local jobs as well.

Technological innovation is at the heart of the strategy

Research & Development also has a role to play in these projects. AREVA has announced the creation of an R&D center in Rouen with around a hundred engineers to reinforce cooperation already initiated by the consortium with local universities and research institutes to establish a French offshore wind industry, capable to export overseas.

AREVA's 8 MW wind turbine, selected by GDF SUEZ, EDP Renewables, and Neoen Marine, is a symbol of the technological excellence that characterizes the consortium's offer. Delivering optimum productivity and a reduction of up to 40% of the number of wind turbines for the wind farms, this turbine brings together the industrial experience and the recognized reliability of AREVA’s technological platform in the offshore wind sector.

About GDF SUEZ

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) 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, fighting against climate change and maximizing 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: independent power production, liquefied natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency services.GDF SUEZ employs 138,200 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €82 billion in 2012. The Group is listed on the Paris, Brussels and Luxembourg stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20).

About EDP Renewables

EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the world’s third-largest wind energy producer. With a sound development pipeline, first class assets and market-leading operating capacity, EDPR has undergone exceptional development in recent years and is currently present in 11 markets (Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the US, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, the UK and Romania). Energias de Portugal, S.A. ("EDP”), the majority shareholder of EDPR, is a global energy company and a leader in value creation, innovation and sustainability. EDP is Portugal’s largest industrial group and the only Portuguese company to form part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (World and STOXX).

About Neoen Marine

Neoen Marine is a French company specialized in the development of Marine Renewable Energy projects. Neoen Marine has built a unique expertise in the management of environmental and technical challenges for offshore wind projects. Its strong local and territorial involvement, started in 2008, has led Neoen Marine to build attractive, harmonious and responsible projects. Neoen Marine is a 40% subsidiary of La Caisse des Dépôts and 60% of neoen, a French Independent Energy Producer. Already active in France and Portugal with a portfolio of assets exceeding 200 MW, neoen targets 1,000 MW for 2016, establishing its foothold on high potential markets in Central and North America as well as Africa and Australia.

About AREVA

AREVA supplies advanced technology solutions for power generation with less carbon. Its expertise and unwavering insistence on safety, security, transparency and ethics are setting the standard, and its responsible development is anchored in a process of continuous improvement.
Ranked first in the global nuclear power industry, AREVA’s unique integrated offering to utilities covers every stage of the fuel cycle, nuclear reactor design and construction, and operating services. The group is actively developing its activities in renewable energies – wind, bioenergy, solar and energy storage – to become a European leader in this sector.
With these two major offers, AREVA’s 46,000 employees are helping to supply ever safer, cleaner and more economical energy to the greatest number of people.