The EDF Renewables Oupia wind farm was inaugurated in Hérault.
The Hérault department recently celebrated the inauguration of the renewed Oupia wind farm, a project led by EDF Renewables which is part of the region's efforts to strengthen the production of clean energy and support the energy transition. Located between the Minervois and Caroux massifs, near the Aude, this park has benefited from an ambitious modernization process, called “repowering”. This approach, which consists of dismantling and renewing an existing wind farm, made it possible to triple the production capacity of Oupia, now providing electricity to around 26,000 inhabitants.
During the inauguration, the prefect of Hérault underlined the crucial importance of decarbonizing our society and the objective set by France to double the production of renewable energy by 2030 and triple it by 2050 Concerning wind power, he recalled the need to significantly increase the potential of this sector by modernizing existing equipment and improving the performance of wind turbines. The Oupia park is a concrete example, with taller and more efficient wind turbines, demonstrating a synergy between technological innovation and sustainable development.
A state-of-the-art wind farm
The renewal of the Oupia wind farm, initially commissioned in 2004, includes the installation of 9 new wind turbines for a total installed capacity of 20.7 MW. Each wind turbine, with a unit power of 2.3 MW, benefits from a hub height of 74.5 meters, bringing the total height of the structures to 110 meters, compared to 78 meters for the old installations. This reconfiguration allows an increase in energy production of 2.5 times, or an annual net capacity of 55.8 GWh, corresponding to approximately 2,685 hours of full power production each year. These wind turbines are expected to produce electricity for the next 30 years, guaranteeing a stable and clean energy source for the region.
The average wind speed at hub height, estimated at 8.23 m/s, gives Oupia wind turbines optimized energy efficiency, adapted to local climatic conditions. This modernization is accompanied by a strong commitment to the environment, with measures to re-establish wind turbines for better landscape integration and a reduction in the impact on avian fauna. Indeed, the new wind turbines are positioned back from the northern edge of the Serre d'Oupia, an adjustment which takes into account the bird movement corridors.
A site designed for production continuity
To avoid a prolonged interruption of energy production, the site was strategically designed. The new wind turbines were installed at a sufficient distance from the old ones, thus making it possible to maintain the operation of the latter until the end of their dismantling in April 2023. This process made it possible to limit to one month the period where the site has welcomed no wind turbines, the assembly of the new machines having started in May 2023.
The project has achieved several important regulatory milestones, including obtaining environmental clearance in October 2020 and being named the winner of an Energy Regulatory Commission tender in July 2021. This winner status allows the park to benefit from a secure feed-in tariff for 20 years, thus guaranteeing its economic viability while reducing costs for the community.
A positive local and environmental impact
This repowering project is the result of close collaboration between EDF Renewables and local authorities, illustrating the commitment of local stakeholders to cleaner energy. The new facilities will generate local economic benefits, promoting employment and economic activity throughout the life of the park.
The Oupia wind farm is therefore much more than a simple set of wind turbines: it embodies a vision of the region's energy future, based on the optimization of resources and respect for climate commitments. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies and careful planning, EDF Renewables and the Hérault region demonstrate that the development of renewable energies can not only meet current energy needs, but also actively contribute to environmental protection. This project is a significant step towards the decarbonization of our society, an essential objective for a sustainable future.
