Ocean Winds has completed the installation of the final turbine at its Îles d'Yeu and Noirmoutier offshore wind farm off the coast of Vendée, marking the entry of the project into full operation and closing out less than three years of offshore construction activity.

A First for Ocean Winds in France

The Îles d'Yeu and Noirmoutier offshore wind farm, known as EMYN, represents Ocean Winds' first offshore wind farm in France. Ocean Winds is a 50-50 joint venture between EDPR and ENGIE dedicated to offshore wind energy.

The completion of construction and the transition into full operation were announced on 29 April 2026, with the company describing the achievement as a demonstration of its capacity to deliver complex offshore wind projects across European markets.

The farm's 61 turbines are now generating renewable electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of nearly 800,000 people. Electricity generation had already begun progressively since June 2025, with each turbine brought online step by step as installation work advanced throughout the construction period.

Craig Windram, CEO of Ocean Winds, said the milestone reflects the maturity of the company's industrial model and the strength of its partnerships. "It marks an important step in our continued development in France," he said.

Construction Completed in a Challenging Environment

Ocean Winds described the construction phase as having been delivered in a complex industrial context and under challenging weather conditions. Despite those difficulties, the offshore construction program was completed within a period of under three years.

The project involved the installation of 61 turbines off the Vendée coastline, a region that presented both logistical and environmental considerations. The offshore location required the coordination of a large number of industrial partners and maritime operations throughout the construction period.

Local Industrial Integration at the Core of the Project

The EMYN project generated nearly 2,400 direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase, according to Ocean Winds. Beyond direct employment, the project played an active role in developing the French offshore wind industry more broadly.

Among the most significant industrial contributions cited by the company is the establishment of a Siemens Gamesa factory in Le Havre dedicated to blade manufacturing and nacelle assembly.

The offshore substation for the wind farm was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, a facility long associated with France's maritime and shipbuilding heritage.

Marc Hirt, Country Manager for France at Ocean Winds, said the project demonstrates that offshore wind can be developed in France with strong local industrial integration and in close coexistence with sea users. "EMYN creates lasting value for both the energy transition and local territories," he said.

Coexistence with the Fishing Community

Ocean Winds highlighted the relationship between the EMYN project and the local fishing community as a defining feature of how the wind farm was developed.

The company said continuous dialogue and close coordination took place throughout the project's development, enabling the wind farm's layout and operations to be adapted to local maritime constraints.

The company stated that this approach demonstrated that offshore wind can be successfully integrated into an environment that is already actively used by other sea users, particularly fishing vessels operating in the waters off Vendée.

Long-Term Operations Phase to Support Local Jobs

With construction now complete, Ocean Winds is turning its focus to the long-term operation and maintenance of the EMYN wind farm. The operational phase is expected to create around 80 long-term direct jobs. Of those, 66 positions will be based on the island of Yeu and will be dedicated specifically to operations and maintenance activities at the site.

This workforce will be responsible for ensuring reliable performance of the wind farm's 61 turbines over the long term, while also supporting the local economy of the island community situated closest to the offshore installation.

France's Broader Offshore Wind Ambitions

The completion of EMYN comes at a moment Ocean Winds described as one in which France is reaffirming its offshore wind ambitions.

The company noted that Roland Lescure, Minister for the Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, and Maud Bregeon, Minister Delegate for Energy, recently announced what Ocean Winds described as the country's largest-ever offshore wind tender. Both ministers subsequently visited the EMYN offshore construction site.

Ocean Winds also referenced its other activities in France, with Hirt noting that the company's Dieppe – Le Tréport offshore wind farm project has surpassed the halfway mark in foundation installations.

The company said EMYN's track record strengthens its position for the next phase of offshore wind development in the country.

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