The three-turbine wind farm, located in Pays de la Loire, is contributing towards France’s renewable energy needs, generating 24,000 MWh green electricity per year – enough to supply around 5,200 households.
BayWa r.e. has been operating in France for 15 years but this is the first time it has collaborated with Terravent, which comprises a number of Swiss energy companies.
“We’re pleased to finalise the sale of the Grand Champ wind farm to Terravent, who like us, has renewable energy at the heart of their business.” said Can Nalbantoglu, President of BayWa r.e France. “Terravent has a specific focus on investing in wind energy projects and we look forward to continuing to build on this new relationship and work with them in the future.” BayWa r.e. will also be responsible for the technical and commercial operation of the wind park.
“With a long-term perspective and strategy in mind, this latest acquisition is a perfect fit with our goal of supporting renewable energy generation in Europe while bringing value to our investors. We’re pleased to add Grand Champ to our portfolio, further enhancing the geographical diversification of Terravent’s asset base.” commented Pablo Jurado, Managing Director of Terravent AG.
BayWa r.e. takes an exemplary 360-degree approach to wind and solar farm development, which is based on transparency and engagement. The company looks to work closely with both the local municipalities and communities from the very beginning, to ensure that each territory gains from the economic and environmental benefits of its projects.
Working closely with the local communities for the Grand Champ wind farm, BayWa r.e. supported regeneration works across two municipalities.
In Lys Haut Layon, BayWa r.e. has supported the development of a local biodiversity and tourism project to restore, landscape and develop their local water body and the water-side area. BayWa r.e. has also contributed to works for energy efficiency on public buildings in the municipality of Saint Paul du Bois.
“Development and construction of this wind farm was exemplary, with strong local support from all relevant stakeholders. Community support is very important to us and we always look to improve projects like this to maximise energy production, while respecting local issues and adding value to the area.”
“For this project, our approach has ultimately enabled the installation of wind turbines with the largest rotors in the region, at 131 m in diameter, which means the most efficient production of green electricity we could achieve at the site.” noted Can Nalbantoglu.
“Despite the Covid-19 crisis, France’s renewable energy market remains both dynamic and strong. With three more wind farms under construction in France, we are looking forward to them being able to contribute to the government’s latest targets for wind energy generation – 24.6GW by 2023 and between 33.2 - 34.7 GW of installed capacity by 2028.”
