The Dunkerque offshore wind farm project in France is set to make significant strides in the renewable energy sector, with Hellenic Cables and Asso.subsea playing pivotal roles. This turnkey contract, awarded by Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), underscores the growing importance of offshore wind in Europe’s energy transition.
Hellenic Cables, a segment of Cenergy Holdings, will be responsible for designing, manufacturing, and supplying a substantial portion of the cables needed for the project. This includes 32km of submarine cables for the offshore link and 38km of underground cables for the land link. The company’s involvement doesn’t stop at supply; they will also manage on-site jointing, testing, termination, and commissioning of the cable links. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the cable infrastructure is optimized for performance and reliability.
Kostas Savvakis, general manager of Hellenic Cables, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “This project is an important step forward in supporting France’s renewable energy goals,” he stated. The Dunkerque wind farm, with a potential to generate between 500MW and 600MW of clean energy, will significantly bolster France’s renewable energy capacity. The inclusion of two 225kV HVAC export cables will facilitate the efficient transmission of this renewable energy to the French grid, reinforcing the country’s clean energy infrastructure.
Asso.subsea, the partner responsible for the transportation, installation, and protection of the submarine cables, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Alexandros Tziotakis, chief operating officer of Asso.subsea, highlighted the company’s expertise in subsea cable installation. “Asso.subsea’s expertise in subsea cable installation and protection ensures the seamless integration of these critical components into the wind farm’s network,” he said. The company’s fleet and equipment will be instrumental in ensuring a precise and efficient installation process.
The Dunkerque project is not just about immediate gains; it sets a precedent for future offshore wind farm developments. The collaboration between Hellenic Cables, Asso.subsea, and RTE demonstrates a model of industry partnership that could be replicated in other regions. This project also highlights the importance of local manufacturing, with Hellenic Cables’ plants in Corinth and Thiva playing crucial roles in cable production.
Moreover, this project comes on the heels of Hellenic Cables’ recent contract win for the 2.4GW Leading Light wind project in the US, indicating the company’s expanding global footprint. As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, such large-scale projects will become increasingly common, driving innovation and competition in the cable manufacturing and installation sectors.
The Dunkerque offshore wind farm is more than just a renewable energy project; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the energy transition. As France and other countries ramp up their renewable energy goals, projects like Dunkerque will serve as blueprints for success. The sector can expect to see more such ambitious projects, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in offshore wind energy. The coming years will be crucial in shaping the future of renewable energy, and projects like Dunkerque are leading the charge.
