Farming Community’s Wind Project Inaugurated after 18 Years with Limited Financial Benefits

Five wind turbines are now operating on the Croix de la Pile site, in Val d’Issoire, north of Haute-Vienne. Started 18 years ago, this Monts de Blond wind project was inaugurated this Friday, May 5, 2023. A project with limited financial benefits for the farmers behind the project.

A wind farm imagined by a community of farmers is finally inaugurated. Operators had been dreaming about it for 18 years. Gathered in a Cuma, they launched their project in 2005, hoping to profit from it.

Farming is a difficult job where you don’t earn much. So we thought about our future. We said to ourselves, why not develop a wind project for our future retirement, have a small income and also develop the territory because it has always been our source of energy, to be on site and to live locally.

Jean-Christophe Reix, farmer

But the dream turned into a nightmare. For many years, this wind project supported by elected officials suffered numerous administrative setbacks. In 2012, the file was finally entrusted to a professional developer.

When you embark on a project without the habit of doing it, it’s complicated. I think that in France, no one is able to launch a project alone.

Valentin Pineau, project manager – Abo wind company

The energy produced brings practically nothing to the pioneer farmers of the project. Only the owners of the land where the wind turbines are located receive rent of approximately 5,000 euros. For municipalities, tax revenues will not boost their finances.

Each year, with the community of communes of Haut-Limousin En Marche, we will receive something, a small nest egg that will come in. I do not have the amount in mind, but it is always appreciable in a municipality.

Pascal Godrie

Mayor (SE) of Val d’Issoire

These five wind turbines should supply the electricity consumption of around 13,000 people. Many projects are underway, at the risk of transforming the landscape of Haut-Limousin.