• New 15-MW wind farm in Allerey comprises 5 turbines 
• Capable of supplying around 8,500 homes with green electricity for 30 years
• New project extends RWE’s offer of local electricity to residents

RWE has inaugurated a new wind farm in the Côte-d'Or region in France, around 350 kilometres south-east of Paris. Developed by RWE in consultation with residents and stakeholders including the elected representatives of the municipalities of Allerey and Arconcey, the wind farm was commissioned in February 2023. The wind farm comprises five wind turbines with an output of 3 MW each and a total output of 15 MW, which is enough to meet the annual electricity needs of around 8,500 households.

Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “The new Montagne wind farm in the east of the country exemplifies RWE’s vision of the energy transition in France. Harnessing the knowledge of regional stakeholders and the RWE Group’s experience allows us to realise such projects successfully. This new wind farm allows us to offer residents lower electricity bills, so that we can share the benefits of the energy transition with the local population.”

RWE to offer reduced electricity bills for residents

To celebrate the inauguration, RWE and its partner Energie d'Ici will be launching a discount on electricity bills in the municipality of Allerey. This offer will be available to all private households and small businesses on request. The discount is linked to the output of the wind farm and runs for five years. This can be equivalent to up to 50% of a household’s annual electricity bill.

Local roots at the heart of successful development

Since the project was launched in April 2014, the teams at RWE in France have been responsible for integrating the project into the local environment and providing clear, transparent communication for the benefit of all stakeholders. As a result, the project has not been subject to any appeals to the French government. The development of this wind farm – as for any of RWE’s projects – is characterised by the company’s commitment to dialogue. RWE’s ambition is to continue to work on projects over the long term for optimal integration into local areas. Four of the turbines will be 165 m high at the tip of their blades, while the fifth has been limited to 150 m in height to reduce the impact on the landscape near the hamlet of Juilly.

RWE promotes the local anchoring of its wind farms by working with local and regional companies as much as possible. As part of the development of this project, RWE has financed a fruit tree exchange for the residents of Allerey and Arconcey. This measure helps to maintain the green spaces around the village, hamlets and isolated farms. It also promotes biodiversity by providing food for birds and bats.

Picture for media use is available at the RWE Media Centre. Credit: RWE