The government announced on Friday the expansion of the area subject to debate concerning the future wind project off the island of Oléron, thus opening the possibility of it being further from the coast.
The project provides for a first installed wind farm of 500 MW to 1,000 MW to be allocated in 2022, and a possible second of up to 1,000 MW nearby, to be allocated after 2024.
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"
During the first meetings, the public in particular made comments on the size of the area proposed for debate, currently 300 km2, considered too small,
" acknowledged the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
"
In order to best respond to these expressions and to allow a better debate, the government is expanding the area subject to public debate up to 750 km2
", he announced in a press release.
The new zone extends the initial perimeter towards the south and especially the west, therefore further offshore.
"
The proposed new area opens up prospects for the remoteness of the island of Oléron, by being able to go up to more than 30 km from the coast
" and "
avoids a sector with a high fishing stake
", notes the ministry.
Wind power projects at sea, essential for France to meet its renewable energy development objectives, are in fact raising concerns among fishermen in particular.
The public debate on the future park has also been extended by one month, until February 28, 2022.
