EDF Renewables, Enbridge and wpd have begun the construction of the €2 ($2.24) billion offshore wind project after a 10-year planning stage, Kallanish Energy reports.

The consortium, formed by two European renewables companies and one Canadian infrastructure firm, finalized financing agreements last weekend, enabling the construction phase to finally commence.

The Fécamp offshore wind farm will produce 500 megawatts of electricity, featuring 71 Siemens Gamesa wind turbines off the coast of Normandy, in northwest France. Commercial operations are slated for 2023. When fully operational, the farm will supply over 60% of the Seine-Maritime department’s population.

The majority of the project’s cost will be financed through non-recourse project level debt, the companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday. The farm is supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement granted by the state in June 2018.

The milestone follows an extensive consultation with local stakeholders, including the fishing industry, for over 10 years.

EDF Renewables and Enbridge will each own a 35% stake in the project through their subsidiary Éolien Maritime France SAS. wpd offshore owns the remaining 30% interest.

Canadian Enbridge said the start of construction demonstrates its continued commitment to offshore wind development in Europe and further positions it as a “diversified energy infrastructure leader.” The company operates oil and gas pipelines both in Canada and the U.S.

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