AREVA confirms its commitment to the offshore wind industry

Press release

ACTIVITIES / RENEWABLE ENERGY

May 31, 2010

AREVA announces its purchase of the remaining 49% of Multibrid1, a German wind turbine manufacturer, which becomes AREVA Wind, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the group. This acquisition will allow a fast ramp-up of its production capacity to address the growth expected in this burgeoning industry. This new platform will also include the rotor blade manufacturing division, formerly PN Rotor.

"As major utilities are moving ahead by launching a number of European tenders, this acquisition illustrates AREVA’s commitment to play a leading role in the development of the offshore wind industry and to establish long-term partnerships with customers", said Anil Srivastava, CEO of AREVA Renewables.

Six M5000 turbines have already been installed by AREVA in the Alpha Ventus offshore wind farm, built in the North Sea under real offshore conditions, and are currently in the test phase. This pilot project will provide important feedback and essential experience to develop offshore wind farms.

"AREVA Wind now has a total of 600 MW in large European projects which confirms the market’s trust in our offshore technology", highlighted Felix Debierre, Managing Director of AREVA Wind.