Overview
Criel-sur-Mer is an operational onshore wind farm in France with a capacity of 14.82 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Criel-sur-Mer is an operational onshore wind farm located in the Normandy region of France. With a capacity of 14.82 MW, it represents a medium-scale wind installation within the French renewable energy landscape. The facility is part of France's strategy to increase wind power generation, supported by national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies. The wind farm utilizes modern wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity. France has set ambitious renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, aiming for 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. Onshore wind is a key component, with the country having over 20 GW of installed capacity. Criel-sur-Mer contributes to this capacity, helping to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Environmentally, the wind farm operates in a coastal area, where wind resources are favorable. While onshore wind farms can have visual and land-use impacts, they provide clean energy with no direct emissions. The facility supports local grid stability and contributes to regional renewable energy goals. Its operation aligns with France's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Environmental context
The Criel-sur-Mer wind farm is situated in a coastal region of Normandy, an area with strong and consistent winds ideal for wind energy generation. The local environment includes agricultural land and proximity to the English Channel. Wind farms in such areas can have visual impacts on the landscape and may affect local bird and bat populations, though careful siting and mitigation measures are typically employed. The facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity.
Frequently asked questions
The Criel-sur-Mer wind farm is located in the Normandy region of France, near the coastal town of Criel-sur-Mer.
The Criel-sur-Mer wind farm has a capacity of 14.82 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind installation.
The operator of the Criel-sur-Mer wind farm is not publicly listed, but it is part of France's onshore wind portfolio managed by various energy companies.
Wind energy in France is supported by the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets a 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030, and national feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies.
Onshore wind farms in France must address visual impact, land use, and potential effects on bird and bat populations, with mitigation measures required through environmental impact assessments.