Soon fewer wind turbines but more electricity produced in these communes of the Somme

Wednesday 16th October 2024 01:00 PM

Produce more with less. The current wind farm at Tilloy-Floriville, Maisnières and Frettemeule, in the Somme, will be re-equipped: the twelve wind turbines, installed in 2007, will be replaced by eight more powerful masts. The project, supported by Énergie TEAM, was presented to residents of the three municipalities of Vimeu during a public meeting this Wednesday, October 16.

Electricity production more than doubled

These wind turbines, although less numerous, will produce 2.5 times more electricityenough to feed 35,000 inhabitants, compared to 14,000 currently. For this, the masts will see their height increase from 150 to 180 meters and will also be further away from each other, like homes. The nearest will be located 700 m away.

The map of the wind farm, with the location of the old wind turbines and the new ones planned in the project (in purple). –
TEAM energies

For residents, used to living with these wind turbines for around fifteen years, this will not change much. Énergie TEAM even assures that they will be quieter, due to technological advances. On the other hand, land owners and municipalities will receive a greater financial windfallsince the allowances are linked to the power.

A significant windfall for the municipalities

“We should have around €10,000 more per wind turbine compared to the current fleet” believes Denis Dupont, mayor of Tilloy-Floriville. A significant contribution to the budget of the municipality of 400 inhabitants, which is €220,000. “Before the wind turbines, we simply did routine maintenance. There was no investment possible. Since then, we can afford to do more projects, we have redone a lot of municipal roads”explains the chosen one.

With the doubling of compensation, the municipality will be able to launch new projects. “We have the renovation of the village hall, especially the thermal insulation, and the maintenance of the roof and the stained glass windows of the church. With the wind turbines, we are sure of our income, it is much more peaceful at budget level”explained Denis Dupont.

But the new wind turbine blades will not run before 2027. A public inquiry will be launched. The project will then be subject to authorization from the prefect of the Somme. Only then will the current wind turbines be dismantled and the new ones built.