Lorraine, the second French region for wind energy
At the end of 2009, of the 4,494 MW of wind power installed in France, 482 MW were in Lorraine, the second largest region after Picardy and in front of the Center and Brittany.
Already 45 wind sites in Lorraine
Although it is not one of the most highly windy areas , in 2003 Lorraine was resolutely given the means to become the leading French region in the field of wind energy. Deploying an ambition and resources up to the challenges of sustainable development, at the end of 2009 it totals almost 11% of the installed capacity in France, with 191 wind turbines spread over 45 sites in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse , Moselle and in the Vosges. (SER-FEE, 30/03/2010)
Wind power installed in France in 2009 is estimated at 1,088 MW. The France is thus in fourth place in Europe behind Italy which installed 1114 MW; Spain and Germany remain at the top of the European market. (EWEA)
The Lorraine companies in the sector are coming together in the Lorraine Wind Power Pole to offer a global outsourcing offer for the construction of wind turbines in Lorraine: blades, mast, braking, generators … The Lorraine Wind Pole Cluster thus sets the stage for service of any wind project strong skills: lobbying, engineering, project economy, financing, sales, design, manufacturing, implementation, management, maintenance, and upkeep …
The Lorrainers quickly joined the wind projects, since in 2005 a wind farm co-financed by hundreds of private individuals was inaugurated in Lorraine: “Le Haut des Ailes”, 84 million kWh produced and 40,000 people supplied with electricity. A first in France.
An acceleration of Lorraine projects
The Meuse is the French department where the wind penetration rate is by far the largest: already above 100% in 2007, it exceeds 150% in the projections to 2011.
By 2012, 20 wind turbines should turn on the South Toulois park which will extend over 7 municipalities of Meurthe-et-Moselle and Vosges.
A wind farm project is underway in the country of Boulay en Moselle (ZDE decreed in July 2008).
A wind development zone is being studied in the Val de Galilée for a project of 5 wind turbines at the Col du Bonhomme between Vosges and Alsace.
Wind energy, a reliable and increasingly profitable energy
The investment cost recorded in 2008 was between € 1,300 and € 1,600 per installed kW. It includes the cost of studies, materials, connection, installation, start-up and dismantling costs. Operating, maintenance and maintenance costs represent 3% per annum of the total investment cost.
