Ailes Marines, a company wholly owned by the Iberdrola group, announced the start of the installation of the first jacket foundation of the 62 wind turbines of the offshore wind farm in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. This installation phase mobilises 5 vessels in the area.
The second offshore wind farm to be installed in France, the Saint-Brieuc marine renewable energy production site will supply Brittany with green energy. This new source of electricity production in the region will contribute to the achievement of the government’s objectives set out in the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE) as part of the national energy transition.
Emmanuel Rollin, Vice President of Ailes Marines and Director of Offshore France at Iberdrola: “Ten years after being awarded the contract for the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm, the installation of the first foundation is a significant step forward in the realization of this ambitious project for the production of marine renewable energy. At a time when electricity markets are under severe pressure, the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind farm – which will produce the equivalent of 9% of Brittany’s electricity consumption – will contribute to its energy autonomy and to the essential energy transition.”
Saint-Brieuc is the first offshore wind farm in France equipped with jackets foundations. In 2014, following a consultation process with sea users and in particular with professional fishermen, Ailes Marines confirmed the use of this type of foundation.
Their lattice structures have a limited impact on the environment. They facilitate the circulation of water bodies and biodiversity while promoting the artificial reef effect.
These foundations with triangular bases, weighing 1,150 tons, 75 metres high and 25 metres square, are a metal lattice fixed to the seabed by three 18 to 47 metres long piles, previously installed by the Aeolus.
(Source and image: Ailes Marines – Artist’s view of the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind fram)