This initiative underscores France's commitment to strengthening its industrial base and supporting domestic jobs within the highly competitive global wind energy market.

Siemens Gamesa is investing €200 million to expand its offshore wind turbine factory in Le Havre, France, to produce longer blades and enhance its competitiveness against China.

The project has garnered nearly €170 million in public support, which includes €35 million from European funding, €80 million from local authorities, and €54 million in tax credits.

The factory extension, set to be completed by 2026, will manufacture blades up to 115 meters long and feature Siemens Gamesa's sixth-generation turbines with a rotor diameter of 236 meters and a power output of 14 MW.

Currently, the Le Havre plant, which was inaugurated in 2022, produces blades measuring 75 and 81 meters and assembles nacelles for turbines with capacities of 7 to 8 MW.

This expansion is part of a broader strategy to bolster local production of components for future offshore wind farms, keeping France and Europe at the forefront of wind energy development.

In response to the competitive landscape, the French government plans to introduce 'resilience criteria' in future tenders, prioritizing local industrial content and turbines made in France and Europe.

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the factory extension, French Minister of Energy, Marc Ferracci, emphasized the need for more powerful turbines to keep pace with technological advancements.

Ferracci also stated that France aims to install 18 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050, highlighting the necessity for Europe to prepare for fierce global competition.

Yara Chaktoura, president of Siemens France, noted that this project reinforces France and Europe's leadership in offshore wind development and manufacturing.

Ferracci pointed out the importance of Europe preparing for increasing competition, particularly from China, without directly naming the country.

Despite these advancements, Siemens Gamesa's new turbines will still lag behind Chinese competitors, who are developing turbines with capacities of 18 MW and targeting 22 MW.