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.
