Overview
Caix is an operational onshore wind farm in France with a capacity of 12 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Caix is an onshore wind farm located in France, operating with a capacity of 12 MW. As a medium-scale wind facility, it plays a role in diversifying France's energy mix and supporting the transition to low-carbon electricity generation. The plant is situated in the Hauts-de-France region, an area with favorable wind conditions for renewable energy development. The facility operates under France's regulatory framework aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), which sets a target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. France supports wind energy through feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees, encouraging investment in onshore wind projects like Caix. The plant's 12 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale category for onshore wind farms in Europe. Environmentally, Caix contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Onshore wind farms in France are subject to environmental impact assessments addressing visual landscape integration and bird/bat protection measures. The facility's electricity feeds into the regional grid, supporting local energy needs and France's national renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
Onshore wind farms like Caix are typically sited in rural or agricultural areas with adequate wind resources. Environmental considerations include visual impact on the landscape, noise for nearby residents, and potential effects on bird and bat populations. French regulations require pre-construction studies and post-construction monitoring to mitigate these impacts. The facility's location in Hauts-de-France benefits from consistent winds, but also requires careful planning to balance energy production with ecological preservation.
Frequently asked questions
The Caix wind farm is located in France, specifically in the Hauts-de-France region, near the commune of Caix. Its coordinates are approximately 49.8105 N, 2.6453 E.
The Caix wind farm has a total installed capacity of 12 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind facility.
Specific turbine models at Caix are not publicly listed, but typical onshore wind farms in France use modern multi-megawatt turbines with capacities around 2-3 MW each, suggesting the farm may have 4-6 turbines.
Caix supports France's goal under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III to achieve 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. It generates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping meet national climate commitments.
Onshore wind farms in France must undergo environmental impact assessments covering landscape, noise, and biodiversity. They are subject to the French Energy Code and EU directives, including measures to protect birds and bats, and must obtain permits for construction and operation.