Overview
Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne is an operational onshore wind farm in France with a capacity of 18.45 MW. It contributes to the country's renewable energy goals under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne is an operational onshore wind farm located in France, with a capacity of 18.45 MW. This facility is part of France's growing wind energy sector, which plays a key role in the country's transition to renewable energy. The plant is situated in the Ardèche region, an area with favorable wind conditions for energy generation. The wind farm utilizes modern wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity. With a capacity of 18.45 MW, it is considered a medium-scale installation within the French wind energy landscape. France has set ambitious renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), aiming for 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne wind farm supports these national objectives by providing clean electricity to the grid. Environmentally, the wind farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based power generation. It also contributes to local energy independence and supports the regional economy through job creation and infrastructure development. The facility operates under France's feed-in tariff regime, which provides stable revenue for renewable energy producers and encourages investment in wind power.
Environmental context
The Ardèche region features diverse landscapes including forests and plateaus, which can host wind farms with careful planning to minimize visual and ecological impacts. Wind energy in France is subject to regulations addressing bird and bat collisions, noise, and landscape integration. The Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne wind farm likely incorporates mitigation measures such as turbine curtailment during migration periods and setback distances from sensitive habitats.
Frequently asked questions
The Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne wind farm is located in France, near the commune of Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne in the Ardèche department.
The wind farm has a total capacity of 18.45 MW, making it a medium-scale onshore wind installation.
It produces wind energy, converting wind power into electricity using wind turbines.
France aims for 42.5% renewable energy by 2030 under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III. This wind farm contributes by generating clean electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Wind farms in France must comply with environmental impact assessments, noise limits, bird and bat protection measures, and grid connection standards. They also benefit from feed-in tariffs or contracts for difference.