La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime) is hosting the first Energy and Ocean festival on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 February organized as part of the public debate on the offshore wind farm off Oléron.
Conferences, public hearings, shows, documentaries: this event aims to confront energy transition and the preservation of the oceans to better expose the issues at the national level.
“With this festival, we are using new ways of communicating to interest more audiences such as young people and working people,” says Francis Beaucire, president of the Special Commission for Public Debate (CPDP).
At the origin of this unique and free meeting, the CPDP denies relaying the positions of the State favorable to offshore wind power – President Emmanuel Macron has just expressed the wish to set up 50 wind farms at sea to 2050. “This festival is an initiative of the CPDP, without any political intervention.
We wondered if this would serve the public debate, not the project owner”, insists Francis Beaucire who believes that he has made all the means available to the general public to ensure a real debate.
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This Energy and Ocean festival will be an opportunity for the leaders of the Oléron project to present their positions from this Friday, February 18.
These public hearings will also be open to associations, communities and professional organizations concerned by this park off the island of Oléron.
President of Sea Shepherd France, Lamya Essemlali has also agreed to participate in this event.
“We play the role of whistleblowers and want the general public to have an informed opinion on this subject.
There is a real lack of information on offshore wind power,” she underlines.
Impacts on biodiversity
Opposed to this technology, the Sea Shepherd France association denounces its impact on biodiversity.
“All the safeguards in environmental matters jump on the pretext of fighting against climate change.
It's irresponsible, says Lamya Essemlali.
It is interesting to discuss it with the State, to know its positions and to present our arguments.
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Started in September, the public debate on the Oléron offshore wind farm will end on February 28.
The CPDP will then draft a public report compiling the positions expressed, to which the government must respond within two months.