Inauguration of the Parc Éolien des Saules in Saulzoir

The Saules wind farm, inaugurated in Saulzoir, marks a milestone in local renewable energy production, with 15 MW of installed capacity and a significant environmental impact.

Share:

Parc éolien Saulzoir inauguration

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

The Saules wind farm, located in the commune of Saulzoir, was officially inaugurated on June 14th. Developed by wpd, the project comprises five new-generation wind turbines with a total capacity of 15 MW. This wind farm is capable of supplying electricity to 37,000 residents, while avoiding the emission of over 47,878 tonnes of CO2 annually, demonstrating its commitment to the fight against climate change. The inauguration attracted over 100 attendees, including local representatives and residents, who were able to explore the facilities and take part in educational activities. The success of this inauguration testifies to the growing importance of renewable energy in the French energy mix.

Economic Benefits and Local Advantages

The installation of this wind farm will generate considerable economic benefits for the region. Gilbert Gernet, mayor of Saulzoir, pointed out that the revenues generated will be used to invest in municipal projects, such as the creation of a new doctor’s surgery. Tax and rental benefits are estimated at €56,000 a year for the Saulzoir commune, €50,000 for the Pays Solesmois Communauté de communes and €37,000 for the Nord département.

Environmental measures and local partnerships

Alongside its economic development, the Saules wind farm is firmly committed to biodiversity. Several environmental measures have been put in place, such as the installation of nesting boxes for bats and the planting of hedges and trees to improve the local living environment. A themed walking trail has also been created, with information panels designed in collaboration with local schools. A partnership with the Planteurs Volontaires association and the Syndicat Mixte du Sud Est de l’Escaut aims to plant 10,000 trees to combat soil erosion, with 3,800 trees already planted on the Deparis farm in Escarmain.

Citizen Commitment and National Recognition

The project also benefited from a participatory financing launched in October 2023, raising €300,000 from 114 citizens. Grégoire Simon, President of wpd onshore France, welcomed this exemplary citizen mobilization. What’s more, in 2021 the Les Saules wind farm was awarded the “Trophées de la concertation et de la participation” by the think tank Décider Ensemble, recognizing the efforts of wpd and the municipality to include the local community in this major project.

Key figures and impact of the wind farm

The figures for the Saules wind farm are impressive: with an installed capacity of 15 MW, it produces around 53 million kWh per year, enough to supply 17,000 homes with green electricity. According to ADEME (Agence de l’environnement et de la maîtrise de l’énergie), this production avoids the emission of almost 47,878 tonnes of CO2 every year.
The success of this project testifies to the potential of renewable energies to meet today’s energy and environmental challenges. By combining economic benefits, environmental commitment and citizen participation, the Saules wind farm is positioned as a model of sustainable development for future initiatives.

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.
Ignitis Group has officially submitted its bid to develop a 700 MW offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea, under a Lithuanian state-supported tender scheme.
Ignitis Renewables acquires the remaining stake from Ocean Winds in the Curonian Nord project, securing full ownership of this strategic development in the Baltic Sea.
Chinese manufacturer Ming Yang plans to build the UK’s largest wind turbine facility in Ardersier, with an initial £750mn investment and up to 1,500 jobs created by 2028.
German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex secured 2,170 MW in new orders between July and September, bringing its total volume to 6.7 GW over nine months.
Faria Renewables a finalisé l’acquisition de deux projets éoliens d’une capacité cumulée de 30,8 MW, consolidant son portefeuille d’actifs en Grèce et poursuivant son expansion stratégique sur le marché national.
Google has signed a power purchase agreement with Eneco to supply its Belgian data centre with wind energy from three wind farms totalling 54 MW.
Italian group Dolomiti Energia secures €200mn loan from the European Investment Bank to finance wind farms and modernise power infrastructure in two strategic regions of the country.
Wpd launches a crowdfunding campaign to support the construction of the Bréhand wind farm, aiming to raise €400,000 from residents with a fixed annual interest rate of 7%.

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.