Telecommunications operator Free has formalised a renewable electricity supply contract, its first wind-based agreement in France, with energy producer H2air. The agreement covers four wind turbines at the Limodores wind farm, located in Rochefort-sur-la-Côte in Haute-Marne, providing Free with an annual supply of 19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) over a period of 15 years, starting on 1 January 2026.
Strategic commitment for Free
This contract is part of the environmental strategy of the iliad Group, Free’s parent company, aimed at increasing its supply of low-carbon energy through direct electricity purchase agreements, known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Since January 2021, iliad has implemented this strategy in France, Italy, and Poland. The agreement with H2air represents the group’s first partnership of this kind in the French wind sector, following several similar agreements for solar energy.
Wind electricity production from the Limodores farm will cover a significant portion of Free’s total energy consumption in France. Together with other contracts signed by iliad, this new project will bring the total volume of renewable electricity available to the company in France to 96.8 GWh, covering approximately 16% of its annual energy needs from 2027 onwards.
A farm integrated into the local territory
Developed and operated by the company H2air, the Limodores wind farm was commissioned on 1 May 2024. The project has received strong support from local authorities since its inception in 2010. Its location on the Barrois plateau ensures optimal integration into the regional landscape, blending forests and agricultural clearings.
Operational management of the site is provided by regional subsidiary H2air GT, specialising in technical operations and environmental monitoring. The Limodores farm has already commenced its second year of extensive environmental monitoring, including devices measuring impacts on local wildlife, particularly bat populations.
Official statements during signing ceremony
At the official signing event, Nicolas Thomas, Managing Director of Free, stated: “Our group will purchase electricity produced by four turbines of the Limodores farm for 15 years. With this project, we secure our long-term energy supply, reduce our carbon emissions, and strengthen our local presence.”
Camille Vandenbeuck, Deputy Managing Director of H2air, emphasised: “We are proud to supply Free with their first wind PPA in Europe, demonstrating our company’s capability to meet the needs of major energy operators.”
