Wind farms: it promotes local economic activity
The creation of a wind farm promotes local activity and can be summarised by the following points:
Resources
CET. Contribution Economique Territoriale [Territorial Economic Contribution], as well as real estate and ground lease: natural resources enable new projects to be commenced and to develop the range of services offered by local authorities.
Heritage
From maintaining roads to preserving rural habitats: there are many opportunities to make use of the financial gains.
Image
Wind energy emanates progress and innovation and leaves you with a positive impression that comes with clean air energy generation.
Tourism
A wind farm arouses curiosity and interest. It becomes the focal point of a country stroll and, locally, a source of additional activities.
Development
A wind farm can be the starting point for a broader regional project, with cultural, educational, economic or tourism-related aims.
Inter-community relations
The implementation of a wind farm project promotes dialogue between the municipal teams in different towns.
Environment
The region involved participates in adhering to the Kyoto commitments by contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions, while being sensitive to the local environment. As well as the application of the Kyoto protocol, the French state is conducting actions aimed at promoting the development of renewable energy, notably during the COP 21 (2015 Paris Climate Conference). http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/
Implementation stages
The implementation of a wind farm responds to technical criteria and regulatory obligations.
The implementation time frame, which is dependent on numerous factors, is estimated at 21 months.
Technical aspects
• Wind measurement
Installation of a measurement mast of 80 to 100 m in height in order to determine the quality of the wind deposit (24 kmph minimum average speed required at 50 meters from the ground).
• Proximity of an electrical substation
Possibility of connecting up to the ERDF public electricity network or an RTF high voltage power line.
• Land availability
Either through purchase or lease.
• Urban planning rules
Verification of the compatibility of the project with the land occupation plan.
• Impact studies
Environmental studies and evaluation of the different constraints and limitations (project impact, local birdlife, the countryside, acoustics, etc.)
• Building permit
Issuance by the Prefecture, following consultation with the State services (DDT [Departmental Territories], DREAL [Regional Department for the Environment, Planning and Housing], French Civil Aviation Authority, French Air Force, etc.) and the Commission départementale des sites et des paysages [Departmental Commission for Sites of Interest and the Countryside].
Environment
The success of an energy farm depends on the quality of its integration into the surrounding landscape and environment, acceptance by the residents and different actors within the local area:
• Landscape studies
Visualisation and introduction of the wind turbines into the designated area and study the effects on landscape and vegetation.
• Acoustic studies
This takes the houses closest to the wind turbines into account, depending on the type of wind turbine. After 500 meters, the sound from a wind turbine is comparable to that of a quiet conversation.
• Respect for historical monuments and sites of touristic interest
• Analyses impact local community
Distance urban development and distance determined by the acoustic studies.
• Implementation
Guarantee of easy accessibility to the wind turbines.
• Flora and fauna
Inventory of species, compatibility research during works and operations, collaboration with specialist associations (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux [French League for the Protection of Birds]).
