RWE, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, recently inaugurated a new onshore wind farm in the Aisne region of Hauts-de-France. Located in the communes of Nouvion-et-Catillon and Nouvion-le-Comte, the Nouvions wind farm has been operational since February 2024. The wind farm comprises 11 Nordex N149 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 4 MW, for a total capacity of 44 MW. This installation meets the annual energy needs of around 19,000 households, including heating.
A first in France for Nordex N149 turbines
The Nordex N149 turbines used reach a blade tip height of 179.5 metres, making this the first wind farm in France to deploy this model. Joseph Fonio, President of RWE Renouvelables France, underlined the importance of this inauguration, describing it as a reflection of RWE’s commitment to developing innovative, sustainable projects throughout France. He also mentioned that an extension to the park is planned to start in September 2024.
Environmental integration and local benefits
Since the start of construction in November 2021, RWE has paid particular attention to the project’s environmental and landscape integration. In collaboration with an independent consultancy, a number of measures have been put in place to minimize the impact on local wildlife, including flanging the turbines to protect bats and planting trees in the surrounding area. In addition, the renovation of the church in Nouvion-et-Catillon was carried out in consultation with local expectations, illustrating RWE’s commitment to the community.
RWE in Hauts-de-France
Les Nouvions is the sixth wind farm to be inaugurated by RWE in the Hauts-de-France region, bringing the total capacity in operation to 126 MW. A long-standing player in the Nord region, RWE has set up a regional office in Lille to strengthen its local presence. The group has also recently obtained 211 MW of permits and is currently developing over 400 MW of wind power projects spread over the five regional departments.
RWE’s commitments and outlook
RWE is pursuing an ambitious investment and growth strategy, entitled Growing Green, aimed at making a significant contribution to the energy transition and decarbonization of the global power system. Between 2024 and 2030, the company plans to invest 55 billion euros in renewable energies, including offshore and onshore wind power, solar energy, storage technologies and hydrogen. RWE is committed to phasing out coal by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, in line with the Paris Agreement. RWE Renouvelables France, a Group subsidiary, is a major player in the development and production of renewable energies on the French market. With over 250 employees in 7 offices, RWE is currently developing more than 1.3 GW of onshore wind projects and almost 800 MW of solar projects. With its long-term commitment, RWE values transparency and dialogue with its partners to ensure optimum integration of its projects.
The commissioning of the Nouvions wind farm marks a significant milestone in RWE’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition, underlining the importance of local collaboration and technological innovation in the renewable energies sector.
