Neoen Marine, an 80%-owned subsidiary of Neoen, has taken a 10% stake in the consortium, joining the French utility giant and the Portuguese wind group. Areva is the group’s turbine partner.

Since being founded in 2008, Neoen Marine has invested more than €6m ($8.1m) in development projects along the French coastline, said a statement.

“Neoen Marine will provide the consortium with its recognised experience as a developer in the Yeu-Noirmoutier region and its local knowledge, including detailed analysis of the coastline, current usage, and technical aspects,” the statement added.

The consortium will bid in France’s upcoming 1GW offshore wind tender, split between two 500MW projects.

This spring EDF