a wind farm that is unanimously supported by partners and local elected officials

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This Monday, December 2, the sun shines surprisingly. But it bodes well for those initiating a field visit. And through any site! That of the construction site of the new wind farm called Landes de Couesmé, which began last spring. Precisely three wind turbines which will complete a fleet of eleven others in service since 2012. On the life base located near the Hercouet operation, everyone is at work. The waltz of trucks punctuates a construction site which started in spring 2024 with earthworks and the creation of tracks and the construction site.

A point that the elected officials of the two invited municipalities (Les Fougerêts and Saint-Martin-sur-Oust) raised straight away: the repair of the roads. A subject which particularly worries Marion Le Pogam, mayor of Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, whose town was crossed by these gigantic convoys, during the transport of wind turbine components to the site. A question ” legitimate “ of which the various actors of this public/private project are well aware. “Because even if elected officials validate the principle of the project, they are nevertheless vigilant in carrying out the work and limiting the impacts on their territory and municipal facilities”recognizes Christophe Laly, director of Sem 56 Énergies, the mixed economy company which is one of the main protagonists of the project with Engie Green (leading wind power company in Brittany). “And that’s very good!” This implies an obligation of performance on the part of manufacturers. »

Also, this restoration of the site was announced for the summer of 2025, according to a schedule established and given during this site visit… A visit which also allowed the project stakeholders to present the project (and this work schedule) on the one hand, but also to recall the partnership concluded between the company Engie Green and Sem 56 Énergies, with the assistance of the municipality of Fougerêts, on the other hand.

Three wind turbines of more recent technology

This is how we learn, for example, that “benefiting from more recent technology with unit production up almost 50% compared to their predecessors”these three new wind turbines (from the company Nordex) develop a total power of 10.8 MWp and an additional annual production of 23,700 MWh of renewable electricity, or the annual electricity consumption of 10,000 people. The electricity that will be produced by the three wind turbines will be partially consumed by the residents of the town. “Because the Enedis network is connected to the Saint-Gravé Source Station, consumers connected to this station will be supplied with green electricity, but over a larger area than just the commune of Fougerêts. »

Furthermore, Gérard Thépaut, president and CEO of 56 Énergies, emphasized that “this project contributes to achieving the energy transition objectives set at regional, national and European scale and to reducing overall energy dependence”. In addition, this project “will generate taxes such as property tax, Cfe and Ifer (flat rate compensation for network companies). The municipality and the agglomeration community of Redon will receive around €65,000 in tax revenue each year. In a complicated budgetary context for the State, the Region and the Departments, the main financiers of local authorities, these tax revenues must allow elected officials to continue the development and implementation of their land use planning projects. »

Possible local financial benefits

On the other hand, as the partners explain, “it is possible for residents to participate financially in the project in order to benefit from part of the financial revenues from the project. » Indeed, supported by the company Eolis Alizé, this project under construction is 15% owned by 56 Énergies and 85% by Engie Green. The first supports Morbihan local authorities and private actors to carry out renewable energy projects and accelerate the energy transition. After the commissioning of the park (scheduled for spring 2025), “the commune of Fougerêts will be able to enter into the capital of the company Eolis Alizé in order to take full part in the life of the project”.

In a context where acceptance of such a project, at the local level, is very important, here is an argument that could hit the mark, if need be. Because as Christophe Rivallain, construction manager at Engie Green, reminds us, “the project to extend the park to the locality of Landes de Couesmé is the initiative of the former mayor of Fougerêts, Alain Greffion. A project which follows the observation of the good integration of the existing wind farm, in service for 12 years”.

Take ownership of projects as early as possible

Also, although wind power can divide in certain territories of the Pays de Redon, “the Landes de Couesmé wind turbines have always been well accepted”affirm the different actors. “This project demonstrates the good integration of the wind farm and the relationship of trust maintained with local stakeholders for more than a decade. »

For their part, Yannick Chesnais, mayor of the town, and Pierre Audran, his first deputy, are unanimous: “It is imperative that local elected officials take ownership of renewable energy production projects as early as possible, to be able to influence the very definition of the project; in the technical choices, the location, the consideration of specific criteria such as noise, the environmental context, the period of work, the opening of the project to residents. »

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