Ocean Winds (OW) has started construction of the Îles d'Yeu and Noirmoutier (EMYN) offshore wind farm in France with the installation of its first wind turbine.

In total, 61 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines (8 MW each) will be installed between May and September 2025, with blades and nacelles manufactured in Le Havre.

This nearly 500 MW wind farm, located off the coast of the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier in France, will generate clean, renewable electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of nearly 800,000 people.

Throughout the construction phase of EMYN, more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs have been created, including approximately 1,000 at the Siemens Gamesa factories in Le Havre for the production of nacelles and blades. Once operational, the project will generate 85 long-term direct jobs, with around 60 positions based on the island of Yeu for operation and maintenance activities.

Marc Hirt, Country Manager of Ocean Winds for France, stated: “The installation of EMYN’s first turbine is a clear demonstration of Ocean Winds' commitment to France’s energy transition and of our contribution to the development of offshore wind energy in the country and the region. A standout feature of EMYN is its strong European and French industrial presence during the construction phase: 95% of the project’s Tier 1 suppliers are European, and more than 50% are French. This is a source of pride for our teams and partners, who have worked with determination and precision to reach this key milestone.”

Frédéric Flaus, EMYN Project Director, added: “With the installation of the first wind turbine for the EMYN project, we are showcasing the excellent collaboration between all contractors and the project team. With this milestone, we are now entering the final months of construction ahead of commissioning later this year.”

Yara Chakhtoura, General Manager of Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa France, commented: “The installation of the first offshore wind turbine at Yeu-Noirmoutier marks a major milestone in achieving France’s ambitious offshore wind targets. Our Le Havre factory plays a key role in meeting these goals, and once its expansion is complete, it will become an essential link in our European offshore wind production network. We are proud to manufacture and install the turbines for this offshore wind farm and, through this work, contribute to France’s energy transition and decarbonization.”