Onshore Wind Power

Wind power is currently enjoying spectacular growth around the world. EDF subsidiary EDF Energies Nouvelles (EDF EN) is tasked with leading the Group’s ambitions in the area of renewable energy, especially wind power, its main focus for growth. Wind power currently accounts for 87% of the total installed capacity of our subsidiary in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East.

How does a wind turbine work?

A wind turbine uses the wind’s mechanical energy, which it converts into electricity in a generator.

A wind turbine is comprised of:

  • a mast or tower that can be from 45 to 115 metres tall depending on the turbine’s power rating
  • a nacelle, installed at the top of the mast and housing the electricity generator, which is driven by a three-blade rotor.

A wind turbine starts working as soon as there is wind. It rotates when the wind speed sits between 15 and 90 km/h. Above that speed, the rotors are stopped for safety reasons.

3 MW
Average installed power of an onshore wind turbine
4 to 8 MW
Installed power of an offshore wind turbine
45 to 115 metres
Height of a wind turbine mast
15 to 90 km/h
Wind speed needed to operate a wind turbine

The electricity generated is transported by an underground power cable to the EDF substation.

Inexhaustible and producing clean power with no greenhouse gas emissions, wind power technology has now reached maturity.

87 %
of the total installed capacity of edf energies nouvelles worldwide
7,912 MW
Capacity currently in service in 14 countries
1,060 MW
Under construction
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EDF Energies Nouvelles