It’s peak season for refurbishing onshore wind turbines in France

August 01st 2025

This summer, it is peak season for onshore wind turbine maintenance teams, with several repair projects currently underway at wind farms across France.

The teams led by Pierre-Antoine Broy, Wind Energy Project Manager, are hard at work carrying out several simultaneous wind turbine blade and mast refurbishment projects. Operating throughout France, they have temporarily set up shop in the Hauts-de-France and Grand Est regions for specific repair operations.

The first destination was the Hauts de France where Pierre-Antoine, supported by Lorris Martinet and his team, carried out repairs on a deep crack in a structural area of the blade.

At the same time, a second team, led by Jérôme Dubois, worked in the Grand Est region on larger machines: model MM92 – 80 m mast and 45 m blade length. Our technicians, equipped with a different nacelle model (KBP2), were tasked with repairing a critical crack and also replacing the LEP (Leading Edge Protection) on the leading edges (E-foil).

Pierre Antoine explains: “The leading edge, which is a crucial element for aerodynamic performance, refers to the front part of the blade. In order to maximise the energy production performance of the wind turbine, customers choose to install airfoils on this edge. On this project, the team prepared the leading edge area (spot repairs to the fibre, coating, careful sanding) to achieve a smooth, clean surface, then installed 10 metres of E-Foil on each leading edge of the wind turbine’s three blades.”

Last simultaneous operation, with the third team: Jérémy Vaze and Maud Des Touches, at the Saint-Léger park in Pas-de-Calais, for the repair and anti-corrosion treatment of masts.

Pierre Antoine explains: “After getting into position, the technicians prepare the surface with a blaster, which is a rotating tool that roughens the material so that it can be primed. They then clean the surface with isopropanol and apply a patch. We use a brand new patch technology that is self-adhesive, self-healing, pre-painted and, most importantly, has no drying time, which is a significant advantage.“

Whether on land or at sea, John Cockerill Services’ wind turbine teams demonstrate their extensive technical expertise to help facilitate the energy transition and improve the performance of wind farms.