By Renewable Energy Focus staff

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies, AREVA will be the sole wind turbine supplier and Iberdrola Renewables will develop the offshore wind farms if their bids are successful.

Keith Anderson, CEO of Iberdrola’s Global Offshore Division, says: “The development of offshore wind projects is one of the key areas of growth for Iberdrola Renewables and we are now assessing major projects in the UK, Germany and France. AREVA has a very strong presence in Europe and is a major developer of offshore wind turbines, making them the ideal partner to explore these projects with.”

AREVA Renewables’ CEO, Anil Srivastava, adds: “AREVA is fully committed to develop an ambitious wind offshore industry in France bringing its industry leading operational experience in 5 MW-class wind turbines. The partnership with Iberdrola, a major renewable global player, is a key step in our European development and offers a tremendous opportunity for our global industrial and economical expansion.”

The French Government aims to have 6 GW of offshore wind by 2020. The first phase of 3 GW will be launched this July, offering five zones to offshore wind farm developers.