Overview
Plouarzel is an operational onshore wind farm in France with a capacity of 3.4 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Plouarzel is an onshore wind farm located in the commune of Plouarzel, in the Finistère department of Brittany, France. With a capacity of 3.4 MW, it is a small-scale wind facility that feeds into the French electricity grid. The plant is operational and utilizes wind as its primary fuel source. The facility operates under France's national regulatory framework, which aligns with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. France supports wind energy through feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees, encouraging distributed generation like Plouarzel. The 3.4 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for onshore wind, typical for community or single-turbine projects. Plouarzel contributes to local renewable energy generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting France's energy transition. Its coastal location in Brittany benefits from consistent wind resources, though onshore wind farms in the region must balance energy production with landscape and biodiversity considerations, such as bird and bat impacts.
Environmental context
The Plouarzel wind farm is situated in the coastal region of Brittany, an area with strong and consistent winds ideal for wind energy generation. The local environment includes agricultural land and natural habitats that may host bird and bat species. Wind farms in this region are subject to environmental impact assessments to mitigate risks to wildlife, including collision risks and habitat disturbance. The facility's small scale helps minimize visual and land-use impacts compared to larger installations.
Frequently asked questions
The Plouarzel wind farm is located in the commune of Plouarzel, in the Finistère department of Brittany, France.
The Plouarzel wind farm has a capacity of 3.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale onshore wind facility.
The operator of the Plouarzel wind farm is not publicly specified, but it is an operational facility contributing to France's renewable energy grid.
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 policies including feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees.
Onshore wind farms in Brittany must address potential impacts on bird and bat populations, landscape aesthetics, and land use. Environmental impact assessments are required to mitigate these risks.