“No consent, even under severe conditions affecting the environment and fishing, is not possible” except to move the project “further out to sea”, estimates the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP).
From September to February, its members consulted populations, professionals and local authorities on the opportunity to set up an offshore wind farm off the island of Oléron, in Charente-Maritime.
Unsurprisingly, the initial scenarios consisting of installing more than sixty masts between 10 and 30 kilometers from the coast – and creating a possible second park – were massively rejected by the participants.
Through 15 “expectations and recommendations”, the CNDP has attempted to summarize the narrow room for maneuver subject to the State, the contracting authority.
To cite only the main ones: move wind turbines away from the coast by avoiding “the most ecologically sensitive areas”, consult “before arbitrating” while sustaining the activity of fishermen.
“Will public debate move the state?
Suspense, recognizes Francis Beaucire who chaired this commission.
The situation is so tense, crumpled, that there will necessarily be opposition.
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In fact, the position of the fishermen remains “a no, without ambiguity.
We are waiting for a pure and simple abandonment, ”insists the Oléronais Johnny Wahl, first vice-president of the Regional Fisheries Committee (CRPMEM) of New Aquitaine.
The state now has three months – until July 28 – to provide “detailed responses” to these recommendations.
In particular, he must specify the power of the park and its exact location.
Fishermen and environmentalists are already talking about strong resistance and "a shower of resources".