We’ve completed the 28MW Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye Wind Farm in the northeast of France
The project, located in the Department of Le Marne in the Grand Est region, was in development for around eight years, ahead of our final investment decision to proceed with construction in 2023.
Construction began in September 2023. The project was delivered on-time and on-budget against a total capital investment of more than €30 million. This investment boosted the local economy and employment, with around 80 construction roles supported during peak delivery.
Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye was our first project to enter construction outside of the UK and Ireland, and is our first operational asset to be delivered from our portfolio of onshore wind projects in mainland Europe.
It has eight Siemens Gamesa SG 3.4-132 turbines, each capable of producing 3.4MW of renewable energy output. The wind farm became operational in February 2025 and Chaintrix is expected to operate for up to 35 years.
In November 2024, we announced that leading European asset management company, Greensolver, will provide day-to-day operation and maintenance services for the wind farm when it enters commercial operation.
Greensolver is an experienced provider of asset management services and technical expertise, dedicated to Wind, Solar, and Battery Energy System Storage (BESS) assets. The company already provides Asset Management services to over 5GW of renewable energy sites across Europe.
Wind farm overview:
Turbines installed: Siemens Gamesa 3.4-132
€30+m capex investment locally supported 80 construction jobs at peak
Delivery of the Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye project represents a total capital investment in excess of €30 million by SSE Renewables.
This investment helped support the local economy in the Grand-Est region, with around 80 construction roles supported at peak delivery.
Balance of Plant works were delivered by lead Contractor Omexom in partnership with Civils contractor Pothelet.
Other suppliers included Vodafone, Dekra, Elys, Groupe Geotec, Quiron and Auddicé.
Siemens Gamesa is the wind turbine supplier.
Our commitment to involving and informing the community
"From the earliest stages of thinking about this project, every step has been guided by a deep commitment to involving and informing the community, with a sincere desire for transparency and close collaboration with local residents and stakeholders. As a result, this project embodies a passionate response to environmental challenges while honouring the aspirations of stakeholders to the fullest."
Delphine Henri - Head of Country, France
Breaking ground in November 2023
In November 2023, SSE Renewables marked breaking ground on the Chaintrix-Bierges and Vélye Wind Farm with a ceremony attended by local elected representatives, stakeholders and supply chain partners.
** 27,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emission offset based on expected typical output of 62,407MWh per annum calculated against a 430g offset of CO2 emissions in France for each kWh of wind power generated (Source: French Ministry for Ecological Transition, May 2021)