wpd has successfully inaugurated the Plaine d’Auzay wind farm in Auchay-sur-Vendée. Over 150 people and local representatives attended the event. This wind farm comprises 9 turbines and covers 46% of the electricity consumption of the Communauté de Communes du Pays de Fontenay-Vendée.
Local support and consultation: unanimous approval
The Plaine d’Auzay wind farm project has had the unanimous support of local elected representatives since 2012. It was developed in consultation with local residents, and has not been the subject of any appeals. Throughout the project, local authorities kept residents regularly informed through newsletters and community newspapers. Public meetings were also organized to answer any questions they might have.
Dominique Gatineau, Mayor of Auchay-sur-Vendée: “During the various studies, we had a consensus among residents, with very little negative feedback at the public inquiry. We took the time to explain the benefits of this park for the commune and its inhabitants. I would like to emphasize and thank the farming community, since practically all the farmers had given their agreement to the feasibility study. Proof that it’s possible to reconcile farming activities and wind farms.
Activities to raise environmental awareness
During the inauguration, numerous activities took place for local residents, including biodiversity workshops and scientific activities for schoolchildren. Horse-drawn carriage rides around the wind farm and kite-making were also on the program. The aim of the day was to raise awareness of the urgency of the ecological transition to combat global warming.
Grégoire Simon, President of wpd onshore France: “All the recent climatic events remind us that there is only one solution: reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. This wind farm contributes to this, with its clean energy. It also contributes to our country’s necessary energy independence.
Key figures
The Auzay wind farm produces more electricity than 55 other wind turbines. It supplies electricity to 34,200 homes, saving 8,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Environmental measures must ensure the preservation of local biodiversity. These measures include the creation of picnic areas, parking spaces and the planting of hedges to encourage ecosystems rich in insects and birds.
Economic benefits for the region
The wind farm represents a significant source of tax revenue for local authorities, benefiting the Communauté de Communes du Pays de Fontenay-Vendée, the département and the commune of Auchay-sur-Vendée, respectively. In all, these benefits amount to €350,000 a year for the region.
