496 MW
generated by wind turbines
67 km
of offshore cables
Partnership
RTE
Market
Offshore wind farms
Location
France
Context
RTE France has awarded Nexans a €115 million contract to supply and install power export cables for the Saint Brieuc offshore wind farm. This project, developed by the Ailes Marines Consortium, is a pivotal component of France’s renewable energy strategy, aiming to meet the electricity demands of over 835,000 homes while advancing climate change goals.
Challenges
Started in 2021, the project faces challenges in designing, laying, and maintaining the extensive offshore and onshore cable infrastructure necessary to connect the wind farm to the grid. Additionally, ensuring reliability and efficiency amidst the harsh marine environment presents a significant technical challenge.
496 MW
generated by wind turbines
225 kV
maximum voltage
835,000
homes provided with
energy from this wind farm
67 km
of offshore cables
93 km
of onshore cables
Nexans’ implication
Nexans delivered innovative solutions for both offshore and onshore cable needs. For the submarine cables, Nexans supplied two lengths of 33.5 km 225 kV 3-core cable with an innovative hybrid armoring solution, manufactured in our Halden facility, in Norway. The cable also features a fiber optic element, supplied by our Norway plant in Rognan, for remote health monitoring of the cable link and transmission of information between the offshore wind farm and land base. Cables were installed by Nexans’ own cable-laying vessel, the CS Skagerrak, while the specialized Capjet system has been used to trench the cables into the seabed for protection. Nexans also provides Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair (IMR) services, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the offshore transmission system.
The land cables include 93 km of 225 kV single-core cable, manufactured in our Charleroi facility in Belgium, similar to those provided to RTE by Nexans under the current land cables framework agreement.
Nexans factory in Halden, Norway
Nexans employee at Charleroi high voltage factory, in Belgium
Nexans employee at Rognan factory, in Norway
Nexans Skagerrak
Nexans Skagerrak
Nexans Capjet 1 and Capjet 3, on the Skagerrak
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.
Marine Activities Director, RTE
Nexans’ involvement extends from manufacturing at their facilities in Norway and Belgium to cable laying with their specialized vessel. Laurent Guillaumin, Business Development Director – Offshore Wind Europe, emphasized, ” 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.”
As of spring 2024, the Saint Brieuc offshore wind project is progressing towards commissioning, with Nexans playing a crucial role in ensuring the timely and successful completion of the grid connection. The progressive commissioning marks a significant milestone in France’s renewable energy transition, bringing the nation closer to its ambitious climate targets.
