Eiffage, through Smulders, its Belgian subsidiary under Eiffage Métal, has been awarded a landmark EPCIC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning) contract by RTE, France’s transmission system operator. The contract, worth over €1.5 billion, covers the development and construction of three alternating current substations for the Bretagne Sud (AO5), Narbonnaise Sud-Hérault, and Golfe de Fos (AO6) offshore wind farms, including their future extensions (AO9).
Delivering Over 2 GW of Renewable Energy
Each substation will feature a 750 MW capacity, enabling the combined connection of over 2 GW of decarbonised electricity to the French grid. This project represents a major step toward achieving Europe’s net zero carbon and energy transition goals.
The contract scope includes the jacket foundations and topside structures that will house critical electrical equipment:
- Bretagne Sud jackets: 115 meters high, 25 meters wide, 35 meters long.
- Narbonnaise Sud-Hérault and Fos jackets: approx. 110 meters high, 45 meters wide, 50 meters long.
- Topside structures: weighing ~5,000 tonnes, measuring 20 meters high, 35 meters wide, 70 meters long.
European Manufacturing and Assembly
The substations’ components will be manufactured across Smulders’ European facilities and its industrial partners. Jackets will be assembled at Eiffage Métal’s site in Fos-sur-Mer, France, while topsides will be assembled in Vlissingen, Netherlands.
This approach reflects RTE’s strategy to mobilize Europe’s industrial base, creating a cluster of expertise in offshore wind farm connections and generating economic benefits for French regions.
Strengthening Eiffage’s Renewable Energy Leadership
This contract reinforces Eiffage’s growing presence in offshore wind, particularly following its acquisition of HSM Offshore Energy. Smulders has delivered 40 substations and manufactured over 2,500 transition pieces to date, with involvement in flagship projects such as Dogger Bank, Hollandse Kust, Saint-Nazaire, and Provence Grand Large.
About Eiffage
Eiffage is a leading European construction and concessions group, active in infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to renewable energy and decarbonization, Eiffage plays a central role in building the infrastructure for Europe’s clean energy future.
