A major step forward: more than a half of the turbines are in place. After completing all 61 monopile foundations in June, along with the inter-array cables, 35 turbines were installed and connected to the network in August. The remainder is scheduled for completion by October. The wind farm, located more than 11 km off Île d’Yeu and 16 km off Île de Noirmoutier, will generate 488 MW of electricity: enough to power 800,000 people.
A productive summer
Each foundation, measuring 7 meters in diameter and 45–68 meters in length depending on site depth, was installed in three steps by the jack-up vessel Innovation: seabed drilling, monopile installation, and placement of the transition piece.
The 61st and final inter-array cable was successfully laid by the installation vessel Louis Dreyfus Travocean on June 22, 2025, marking the completion of a connection campaign that began in 2024. In total, nearly 90 km of inter-array cables have been deployed.
After tower sections are pre-assembled at the port of Saint-Nazaire, each turbine is installed offshore by Jan De Nul’s vessel Vole au Vent. Under favorable weather conditions, the process takes 24 to 48 hours. The vessel is equipped with a powerful crane that works in three stages: installing the tower, the nacelle, and finally the three blades.
All 61 turbines will produce enough power for 800,000 people—the equivalent of the Vendée region’s population. Local energy, produced by a wind farm built with the support of many nearby businesses.
French industrial expertise behind a giant at sea
Construction, which began in 2023, involves more than 300 French companies, including some 100 from the region:
- The substation was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire (learn more).
- The blades and nacelles for the wind farm's 61 wind turbines are manufactured by Siemens Gamesa at its plant in Le Havre.
- Pitch and yaw bearings are supplied by Rollix Defontaine.
- The core cables are designed near Paris by Prysmian.
- Support vessels for logistics operations are equipped by French companies such as Louis Dreyfus Armateur, TSM, STO Logistique, AMS, and Alka Marina.
Installation of inter-array cables designed by Prysmian, March 2025. Learn more (in French)
In total, this construction phase is generating 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, including 1,000 in Le Havre for blade and nacelle manufacturing.
By the end of 2025, the entire wind farm will produce energy for 25 to 30 years. The operations phase will create 85 permanent direct jobs, including 60 for operations and maintenance from the base on Île d’Yeu.
Once again, renewable energy proves it also fuels local industries.
For more information: visit the project’s official website (in French).