France: EDF Renouvelables faces justice over the mortality of protected birds

The Montpellier criminal court must rule on the criminal liability of EDF Renouvelables and its subcontractors regarding the excessive mortality of protected birds at the Causse d’Aumelas wind farm, located in a Natura 2000 zone.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

On the Causse d’Aumelas plateau, west of Montpellier, the 31 wind turbines that have been in operation for nearly twenty years are at the centre of an unprecedented legal case. EDF Renouvelables France and several operators of this wind farm stand accused of destroying protected species, particularly lesser kestrels and bats. The Montpellier criminal court is expected to deliver its verdict on Monday after an investigation revealed a significant number of collisions between these birds and the turbine blades.

A legal and financial challenge

At the origin of this case, the environmental organisation France Nature Environnement (FNE) Occitanie Méditerranée filed a direct summons against EDF Renouvelables and its partners, arguing that the deterrent systems installed at the site are insufficient to prevent bird mortality. During the December hearing, the prosecution requested fines of €750,000 for each company involved, including €500,000 suspended. Bruno Bensasson, former chairman and CEO of EDF Renouvelables until March 2024, faces a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €150,000, of which €100,000 is suspended.

Documented avian losses

Specialists estimate that between 150 and 300 lesser kestrels may have died at the base of the wind turbines since the farm’s commissioning, far exceeding the 70 carcasses officially recorded. This excessive mortality is believed to have slowed the growth of the species at the site by 22%, despite it being one of the few nesting areas for these birds in France.

EDF Renouvelables claims to have invested €2mn since 2020 to enhance deterrent systems and reduce the impact of wind turbines on local wildlife. “In 2022 and 2023, only four fatal collisions were recorded, compared to two in 2024,” a company spokesperson stated, highlighting improvements in prevention measures.

Previous legal rulings

This criminal trial follows a civil conviction of EDF Renouvelables in 2021 by the Versailles Court of Appeal. At the time, the judiciary found the company responsible for the deaths of 28 lesser kestrels and noted the ineffectiveness of the electronic deterrent system implemented in 2014.

The key issue revolves around the absence of a prefectural exemption, which would have authorised a limited number of avian fatalities. EDF Renouvelables has not yet applied for such an exemption, a move deemed risky by FNE, which suspects the company is trying to avoid a potential rejection by the authorities.

A case setting a legal precedent

Beyond the Aumelas case, the challenge of balancing renewable energy development with biodiversity conservation is also at the centre of another ongoing trial. The same Montpellier court is set to rule on Wednesday on the Bernagues wind farm, operated by Energie Renouvelable du Languedoc, a subsidiary of Valeco, which has been implicated in the death of a golden eagle. The prosecution has also requested significant fines against the operator.

As the wind energy sector continues to expand, these judicial decisions could redefine developers’ obligations regarding wildlife protection and influence future projects in natural areas.

German group BayWa r.e. has tasked Enercoop Bretagne with implementing a citizen investment scheme for its planned wind farm in Plouisy, aiming for shared governance and stronger local involvement.
US wind capacity fell in Q2, but developers anticipate a sharp increase by late 2025, with 46 GW of new capacity forecast by 2029 and a peak in 2027.
Engie has signed a renewable electricity supply contract with Apple covering 173 MW of installed capacity in Italy, with commissioning scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
Renova a soumis une méthodologie d’évaluation environnementale pour un projet éolien terrestre de 280MW à Higashidori, renforçant son positionnement sur les technologies renouvelables au Japon.
The joint venture between BP and JERA ends its offshore wind ambitions in the United States, citing an unfavourable economic and regulatory environment for continuing the development of the Beacon Wind project.
With a 300 MW partnership signed with Nadara, Q ENERGY exceeds 1 GW of wind repowering projects in France, reinforcing its position in a market driven by public investment dynamics.
The acquisition of Cosmic Group by FairWind consolidates its position in Australia and marks a strategic expansion into New Zealand and Japan.
Danish manufacturer Vestas has paused construction of its planned facility in Poland, originally set for 2026, citing weaker-than-expected European offshore wind demand.
British operator Equitix has been selected to take over transmission assets of the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, a £450mn ($547mn) project awarded under Ofgem’s tenth tender round.
Energiequelle GmbH has launched replacement work for old turbines at its Minden-Hahlen site, aiming for long-term structural maintenance with the installation of three new 200-metre machines.
GE Vernova will equip the Ialomiţa wind farm with 42 turbines of 6.1 MW, strengthening its presence in the European onshore wind sector with a 252 MW project in partnership with Greenvolt.
Eversource Energy posts a one-time $75mn charge linked to unforeseen costs in the Revolution Wind project, while tightening its 2025 earnings forecast.
The Renewables Infrastructure Group has signed a ten-year power purchase agreement with Virgin Media O2 for its onshore wind farms in the United Kingdom, ensuring price stability for both parties.
Eight local associations in Normandy and Hauts-de-France will receive a total of €120,000, financed by revenues from three RWE wind farms, to support public-impact projects in 2025.
CWP Europe formalised two major projects in Albania and Montenegro with backing from the European Commission, reinforcing the Balkans’ integration into the European energy market.
Elawan Energy secured two wind power projects totalling 92MW in Romania through a long-term public contract, strengthening its presence in the region with operations scheduled to begin in 2028.
A study conducted in the Gulf of Lion highlights the risk of collisions between migratory birds and floating wind turbine blades, as the region prepares to host 19 additional turbines by 2031.
Taaleri Energia’s SolarWind III Fund partners with Lords LB Asset Management to develop a 112 MW onshore wind project in Smiltene, scheduled for commissioning in early 2027.
The Dinawan Wind Farm project, first phase of a 1.3 GW energy hub, was selected in the fourth tender round of the Capacity Investment Scheme launched by the Australian Government.
RWE has completed construction of the Kail wind farm, comprising three turbines totalling 12.9 MW, marking its first commissioning in Rhineland-Palatinate.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.