Both the companies will pool personnel and offshore wind related technologies and assets for the JV.
The new JV will help Areva to get support from the German Bremerhaven (turbine assembly) and Stade (blade manufacturing) plants, as well as in deriving offshore wind technology and commercial contracts.
Through the JV, Gamesa intends to enhance its existing multi-megawatt technologies applicable to offshore such as the 5MW platform and Arinaga turbine prototype, as well as offshore related engineering, operation and maintenance capabilities.
The new JV will also market Areva’s M5000 turbine and will involve in the development of 5MW and 8MW wind turbines.
In addition, the JV plans to sign a preferred supplier agreement with Gamesa for some key components.
Gamesa chairman Ignacio Martin said the agreement with Areva allows Gamesa to position itself as a market leader in the offshore wind industry.
"The JV will provide Gamesa with an additional profitable growth platform complementary with its 2013-2015 Business Plan and which shall create material synergies with our onshore wind activities," Martin added.
Image: Gamesa and Areva to establish JV company in the field of offshore wind power. Photo: Courtesy of xedos4/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
