German developer wpd onshore France has commissioned the Moulins wind farm, inaugurated on June 6 across the municipalities of Dechy, Cantin, and Roucourt in the Nord department. The project consists of five turbines reaching 145 metres at blade tip and has a total installed capacity of 10 megawatts (MW). Its estimated annual output of 27,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) is expected to cover approximately 44% of the electricity consumption of the three municipalities, according to figures provided by the developer.
A project initiated by local authorities in 2006
The site was identified in 2006 by the Douaisis Urban Community within a territorial development plan dedicated to wind energy. The project was launched in 2010 following initial discussions between wpd onshore France and the local municipalities. The municipal councils of Dechy, Cantin, and Roucourt passed favourable resolutions in December 2012, enabling the permitting process to begin.
The Nord prefecture granted construction authorisation, allowing the project to break ground in 2024. Two site visits were held for local officials to observe key technical phases, including the laying of foundations and turbine assembly.
€70,000 in recurring annual tax revenues
The commissioning of the wind farm will generate €70,000 per year (around $75,600) in tax revenues, which will be shared among the three host municipalities and the Douaisis Urban Community. These funds will strengthen local public budgets earmarked for community projects.
A €400,000 budget (around $432,000) was also allocated in the form of support measures. In Dechy, a new playground will be built and cobbled roads restored. In Cantin, wpd co-funded exterior works at the public school, scheduled to open in September 2025.
An inauguration focused on local engagement
The official inauguration took place at the Jacquart farm in Dechy, attended by local councils and technical partners. The event featured a photo exhibition documenting the construction stages, an improvisational theatre performance, and a technical visit inside one of the turbines for invited stakeholders.
Present in the region since 2010, wpd onshore France develops its projects in close cooperation with local authorities. The Moulins wind farm is part of a long-term public investment strategy aimed at land enhancement, generating local tax revenue, and improving municipal infrastructure.
