Overview
Salles-de-Villefagnan is a 20.7 MW onshore wind farm in France, operational and contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Salles-de-Villefagnan is an onshore wind farm located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. With a capacity of 20.7 MW, it is a medium-scale facility within the French wind energy sector, which has seen significant growth under national and EU renewable energy targets. The facility operates under France's feed-in tariff regime, which supports wind power development. The EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413) sets a 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030, and France's national energy strategy aims for 40% renewable electricity by 2030, with wind playing a key role. The plant uses modern wind turbine technology typical of onshore installations in the region. Environmentally, the wind farm contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. Its location in a rural area with moderate wind resources supports consistent power generation. The facility helps France meet its climate commitments and provides clean energy to the local grid, supporting regional energy independence.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in a rural landscape of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, an area with moderate wind speeds suitable for onshore wind energy. The region's agricultural and natural habitats may experience visual and land-use impacts from turbine installations. However, modern siting practices aim to minimize effects on local wildlife, particularly birds and bats. The facility's operation aligns with France's goals to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy share, contributing to the EU's broader climate targets.
Frequently asked questions
The Salles-de-Villefagnan wind farm is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, near the town of Salles-de-Villefagnan in the Charente department.
The Salles-de-Villefagnan wind farm has a capacity of 20.7 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind installation.
The facility uses modern onshore wind turbines designed for the region's wind conditions, typical of French wind farms operating under national feed-in tariffs.
The EU Renewable Energy Directive III sets a binding target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030, driving support for wind power through national policies, feed-in tariffs, and grid access guarantees.
Onshore wind farms like Salles-de-Villefagnan can have visual and land-use impacts, and may affect bird and bat populations. However, French regulations require environmental assessments and mitigation measures to minimize these effects.