Overview
Salles-Curan is an operational onshore wind farm in France with a capacity of 87 MW, contributing to the country's renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Salles-Curan is an operational onshore wind farm located in the Aveyron department of southern France. With a capacity of 87 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale facility within the French wind energy sector, which has seen significant growth as part of the country's commitment to increasing renewable energy generation. The facility operates under France's national regulatory framework, which includes feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The 87 MW capacity places Salles-Curan among the larger wind farms in the region, utilizing modern wind turbine technology to harness the area's wind resources. Environmentally, the wind farm contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Its location in a rural, elevated area typical of the Massif Central region minimizes land-use conflicts, though wind farms in such areas are subject to environmental assessments to mitigate impacts on local bird and bat populations. The facility supports France's energy transition goals and grid stability.
Environmental context
The Salles-Curan wind farm is situated in the Massif Central, a region characterized by elevated plateaus and valleys. The area's wind resources are favorable for wind energy generation, but the installation of turbines requires careful planning to minimize visual impact on the landscape and potential effects on local wildlife, particularly birds and bats. Environmental assessments typically address these concerns, ensuring that the facility operates in balance with the surrounding ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
The Salles-Curan wind farm is located in the Aveyron department of southern France, near the town of Salles-Curan in the Massif Central region.
The Salles-Curan wind farm has a capacity of 87 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale onshore wind facility.
The operator of the Salles-Curan wind farm is not publicly listed, but it is part of France's operational wind energy 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 policies including feed-in tariffs and grid connection guarantees.
By generating clean electricity, the Salles-Curan wind farm helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting France's energy transition.