EDF Group Signs a Strategic Partnership with Enbridge for the Three First Offshore Wind Farms Projects off the French Coast

PARIS--()--EDF Energies Nouvelles, EDF Group subsidiary dedicated to renewable energy, is announcing a new partnership agreement with Enbridge Inc., a leader in the North American energy sector, including renewable energy. The agreement covers the development, construction and operation of three French offshore wind farms, totaling 1,400 MW of installed capacity.

Through this agreement, Enbridge acquires a 50% stake in Eolien Maritime France (EMF), the company controlling the three future offshore wind farms. EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge will be co-owners (50/50) of EMF.

Enbridge Inc., a North American leader in energy transportation, distribution and generation, has a strong ambition in renewable energy with 2,000 MW of net capacity projects already in operation or construction. Since 2012, EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge have been engaged in a successful partnership in Canada, where they operate jointly four wind farms, totalling 830 MW of installed capacity. With this further partnership, Enbridge is growing its presence in offshore wind power in the European market.

Pursuant to the first call for tenders organised by French authorities, EDF Energies Nouvelles’ subsidiary, EMF, was awarded 3 offshore wind projects in 2012:

  • Eoliennes Offshore des Hautes Falaises, with an expected capacity of 498 MW off the coast of Fécamp (English Channel) ;
  • Parc du Banc de Guérande, with an expected capacity of 480 MW off the coast of Saint-Nazaire (Atlantic coast) ;
  • Eoliennes Offshore du Calvados, with an expected capacity of 450 MW off the coast of Courseulles-sur- Mer (English Channel).

Following an extensive local consultation and broad engineering and environmental studies performed since 2011, these three projects are progressing as planned. Construction is expected to start gradually from 2017.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, President and Chief Executive Officer of EDF said, “Our subsidiary EDF Energies Nouvelles and Enbridge Inc. will work together to drive the future of the French offshore industry. The vision we share in development strategy and the complementary nature of our combined expertise will be the foundation to a strong collaboration. These major future wind farms will provide to our customers a low-carbon, reliable and decentralized energy. This is a fine example of what the Energy Transition for Green Growth law is trying to promote in France and it fits perfectly with CAP 2030, the strategy of the Group for the forthcoming years which aims at doubling its renewable energy capacity by 2030.”

Antoine Cahuzac, Senior Executive Vice President in Renewable Energies of EDF and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Energies Nouvelles added, “EDF has made another decisive step towards strengthening the development and efficiency of our renewables assets portfolio in France today. EDF Energies Nouvelles, through the development of these future offshore wind farms, will provide substantial economic benefits to France and create many jobs during construction and operations. This gives further evidence of the key role it plays in the renewable energy sector, in the country.”

CEO and President of Enbridge Inc., Al Monaco concluded, “This is a unique and strategic opportunity for Enbridge to further our investment in Europe’s rapidly growing offshore wind generation business. We’ve established an excellent partnership with EDF Energies Nouvelles in a number of North American onshore wind farms. Our investment in EMF is a natural extension of that partnership and we look forward to strengthening our relationship as co-developer in these important renewable energy projects.”

About EMF offshore wind farm projects

About the Fécamp offshore wind farm
The offshore wind project provides for the installation of 83 wind turbines supplied by GE, located 13 km from the coast.

Its 498 MW power output will be equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 770,000 inhabitants, which represents 60% of the Seine- Maritime inhabitants.

The project is held by “Eoliennes Offshore des Hautes Falaises”, the company which was awarded the project after the French government’s tender in 2012, 70% owned by EMF and 30% by the German company Wpd Offshore.

www.parc-eolien-en-mer-de-fecamp.fr

About the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm
The offshore wind project provides for the installation of 80 wind turbines supplied by GE, located 12 km from the coast.

Its 480 MW power output will be equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 700,000 inhabitants, which represents 54% of the Loire- Atlantique inhabitants.

The project is held by “Parc du Banc de Guérande”, the company which was awarded the project after the French government’s tender in 2012, 100% owned by EMF.
www.parc-eolien-en-mer-de-saint-nazaire.fr

About the Calvados offshore wind farm
The offshore wind project provides for the installation of 75 wind turbines supplied by GE, located 10 km from the coast.

Its 498 MW power output will be equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 630,000 inhabitants, which represents 40% of the Basse- Normandie inhabitants.

The project is held by “Eoliennes Offshore du Calvados”, the company which was awarded the project after the French government’s tender in 2012, 85% owned by EMF and 15% owned by the German company Wpd Offshore.
www.parc-eolien-en-mer-du-calvados.fr

A key player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated electricity company, active in all areas of the business: generation, transmission, distribution, energy supply and trading, energy services. A global leader in low-carbon energies, the Group has developed a diversified generation mix based on nuclear power, hydropower, new renewable energies and thermal energy. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 37.6 million customers, of which 27.8 million in France. The Group generated consolidated sales of €75 billion in 2015, of which 47.2% outside of France. EDF is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.

Contacts

EDF Energies Nouvelles
Manon de Cassini-Hérail
Press office: +33 1 40 42 46 37 / +33 1 40 90 48 22
or
Analysts and investors: +33 1 40 42 40 38

Contacts

EDF Energies Nouvelles
Manon de Cassini-Hérail
Press office: +33 1 40 42 46 37 / +33 1 40 90 48 22
or
Analysts and investors: +33 1 40 42 40 38