Overview
Les Essarts-le-Vicomte is an operational onshore wind farm in France with a capacity of 12.3 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Les Essarts-le-Vicomte is an onshore wind farm located in the Marne department of northern France. With a capacity of 12.3 MW, it is a medium-scale wind facility that supports France's transition to renewable energy. The plant is operational and feeds electricity into the national grid. The facility operates under France's regulatory framework, which aligns with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. Onshore wind is a key technology in France's energy mix, benefiting from feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees. The 12.3 MW capacity places it in the typical range for French onshore wind farms. Environmentally, the wind farm contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. Its location in a rural area minimizes land-use conflicts, though wind farms can have visual impacts and affect local bird and bat populations. The facility plays a role in France's strategy to increase renewable capacity and meet climate targets.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in the agricultural landscape of the Marne region, where land use is primarily arable farming. Onshore wind turbines can alter visual aesthetics and pose risks to avian and bat species through collisions. However, proper siting and mitigation measures help reduce these impacts. The facility supports France's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 by generating clean electricity.
Frequently asked questions
Les Essarts-le-Vicomte wind farm is located in the Marne department of northern France, near the commune of Les Essarts-le-Vicomte.
The wind farm has a capacity of 12.3 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind installation.
It produces wind energy using onshore wind turbines, converting kinetic energy from wind into electricity.
France aims to reach 42.5% renewable energy by 2030 under the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Wind farms like Les Essarts-le-Vicomte contribute to this goal by adding clean capacity to the grid.
Onshore wind farms can impact local wildlife, particularly birds and bats, and alter landscapes. French regulations require environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures to minimize these effects.