Q ENERGY inaugurates the Croix de l'Erable wind farm in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, in the west of France
A wind farm accepted and supported by the region and its elected representatives
Initiated in 2013, in close collaboration with local elected representatives, the Croix de l'Érable wind farm represents a milestone in the department's energy transition. With a production capacity equivalent to the annual consumption of over 16,800 people, or 18.66% of the population of Poitiers, the project will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 16,400 tons each year.
“The success of the Croix de l'Érable park lies in its inclusive, collaborative approach with local elected officials and residents, who were involved from the earliest stages of the project. Working with local stakeholders has been a real pleasure for us. Their commitment and support have been essential to the progress and realization of this project,” says Benjamin Ploux, Wind Energy Regional Manager at Q ENERGY.
This success is reflected in the wind farm’s approval process, marked by the absence of any appeals against its administrative authorization, and by the support expressed during the public inquiry: of the nine municipalities concerned, seven expressed a favorable opinion, underlining local acceptance of the project. Consultation with stakeholders was a central aspect of the development, with an exhibition in the town hall, information sessions and regular communication.
At the same time, the project has also sought to involve the educational world, notably through interventions in the village school and the integration of the wind farm into educational programs such as Génération Transition organized by France Renouvelables, as well as the organization of numerous site visits.
A wind farm integrated into its environment
For Q ENERGY, the successful integration of a wind farm into its environment is a key factor in its acceptance. To this end, a few measures have been implemented in collaboration with the municipality and its elected representatives: the replanting of 1,600 linear meters of hedges in partnership with the village's integration association (SEI), landscape planting around the village church, and the installation of two picnic areas equipped with educational panels on the operation of the wind farm, offering a panoramic view of the turbines.
These actions illustrate the relationship of trust and the collaborative model established between the developer and the park's host region, paving the way for future renewable energy initiatives in this high-potential area.
“Q ENERGY has already built 3 wind farms in Vienne (Cerisou, Berceronne, Croix de Bertault) for a total of 57 MW, equivalent to the annual consumption of over 75400 people. In addition, we currently have 3 other active projects in the area: two on the municipality of Rouillé and one in Jazeneuil,“ concludes Benjamin Ploux, Wind Energy Team Lead at Q ENERGY.
Inauguration of the Croix de l'Érable wind farm by Q ENERGY
About Q ENERGY
Q ENERGY is Europe's provider of holistic solutions for green power plants. The company is active along the entire value chain of renewable energy projects - from solar parks, onshore and offshore wind projects to energy storage solutions and hybrid power plants. More than 450 employees in the Berlin headquarters and further international offices are currently driving a development pipeline of +15 GW across Europe. Building on 25 years of experience and +2.3 GW completed renewable energy assets, Q ENERGY is currently active in Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany as well as in the Netherlands, the UK and Italy. Together with its independent sister company Hanwha Qcells, Q ENERGY forms the energy division of its mother company and top-tier Korean enterprise Hanwha Solutions Corporation.
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