PERTH-headquartered SSE Renewables is celebrating the safe and successful installation of the final onshore turbine at its first project outside of the UK and Ireland.
The 28MW turbine was installed at the Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye Wind Farm in the Grand Est region of France.
Turbine installation began this summer and has been delivered on schedule, with SSE Renewables working closely with expert technicians from Siemens Gamesa on the project.
Commissioning and testing of turbines will now commence and continue until the site becomes fully operational, which is expected by the end of 2024.
Delphine Henri, France director of SSE Renewables, said, “We’re truly delighted to be celebrating the safe, successful and on schedule completion of turbine installation at our Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye wind farm project. This demonstrates the great progress we’re making on the delivery of the project and we’re on track to complete and enter generation operation by the end of the year.
“Successfully reaching this milestone is due to the excellent teamwork and collaboration from everyone involved in the project’s delivery. Particular thanks go to turbine supplier Siemens Gamesa along with our lead contractor Omexom in partnership with Civils contractor Pothelet, as well as to other supply chain partners Vodafone, Dekra, Elys, Groupe Geotec, and Auddicé.
“We would also like to thank local residents, the elected representatives and the wider community for their support to our project team while we undertook construction at site. It is a real example of how we have successfully collaborated with the supply chain and with local stakeholders to help deliver what will be France’s newest renewable energy site.”
When complete, the Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye wind farm will be capable of generating enough low-carbon energy over its expected 30-year lifetime to power over 14,000 homes annually, SSE Renewables said.
Delivery of the wind farm represents a total capital investment of more than €30 million by SSE Renewables. The investment is supporting the local economy in the Grand-Est region, with around 80 construction roles supported at peak delivery.
