Nexans contributes to France’s energy transition by connecting Saint Brieuc offshore wind farm

PRESS RELEASE                                                                                                                           

Nexans contributes to France’s energy transition by connecting Saint Brieuc offshore wind farm

• Nexans will provide the 225 kV power export cables for Saint Brieuc, one of the biggest offshore wind projects in France
• In the framework of the 115-million-euro contract, Nexans will deliver cables featuring innovative hybrid armouring
• Nexans will also provide Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) services for the project

Paris La Défense, November 20, 2019 – RTE France has awarded a € 115 million contract to Nexans to supply and install the 67km offshore and 93km onshore power export cables for the 496 MW Saint Brieuc offshore wind farm. Located in the English Channel, some 16 km off the coast of Saint Brieuc Bay, the wind farm is expected to generate enough power to meet the daily electricity needs of more than 835,000 homes. 

The project is being developed by the Ailes Marines Consortium and is one of the biggest commercial-scale offshore wind projects in France. Its success is of significant importance as it will help meet France’s climate change ambitions.

The consortium has been awarded 500 MW capacity transmission by the French government. RTE, the French transmission system operator, will design, build and maintain the two 225 kV links (submarine and land) to connect the offshore wind farm to the grid.

For the submarine cables, Nexans will supply two lengths of 33.5 km 225 kV 3-core cable with an innovative hybrid armouring solution. The cable also features a fibre optic element for remote health monitoring of the cable link and transmission of information between the offshore wind farm and land base. Cables will be installed by Nexans’ own cable-laying vessel, the CS Skagerrak, while the specialized Capjet system will be used to trench the cables into the seabed for protection. The awarded contract also includes Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) services for the offshore part of the link.

The land cables will include 93 km of 225 kV single-core cable, similar to those provided to RTE by Nexans under the current land cables framework agreement.

“This project will be the first offshore connection developed by Nexans for RTE. As such, RTE expects this project to be successful as well as to mark the beginning of a fruitful relationship. commented Jean Michel Prost, Marine activities director at RTE.

Laurent Guillaumin, Business Development Director – Offshore Wind Europe at Nexans, said: “We are delighted to be working with RTE to provide the grid connection for one of France’s most significant offshore wind projects. The key to this success was our long track record in this sector combined with our ability to offer innovative cable solutions.” 

Nexans Norway facility in Halden will manufacture the submarine cables, while the land cables will be supplied by Nexans Benelux plant based in Charleroi, Belgium. The fiber optic elements will be supplied by Nexans Norway plant in Rognan. The laying of the submarine cables is due to commence in spring 2022.

About Nexans

Nexans brings energy to life through an extensive range of advanced cabling systems, solutions and innovative services.

For over 120 years, Nexans has been providing customers with cutting-edge cabling infrastructure for power and data transmission. Today, beyond cables, the Group advises customers and designs solutions and services that maximize performance and efficiency of their projects in four main business areas: Building & Territories (including utilities, e­mobility), High Voltage & Projects (covering offshore wind farms, submarine interconnections, land high voltage), Telecom & Data (covering data transmission, telecom networks, hyperscale data centers, LAN), and Industry & Solutions (including renewables, transportation, Oil & Gas, automation, and others).

Corporate Social Responsibility is a guiding principle of Nexans’ business activities and internal practices. In 2013 Nexans became the first cable provider to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group’s commitment to developing ethical, sustainable and high-quality cables also drives its active involvement within leading industry associations, including Europacable, the NEMA, ICF or CIGRE to mention a few.

Nexans employs nearly 27,000 people with industrial footprint in 34 countries and commercial activities worldwide. In 2018, the Group generated 6.5 billion euros in sales.

Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A.

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