Despite the continued concerns over the visual impact of offshore wind farms, France is still pressing ahead with its ambitious plans for investment in wind energy; controversially proposing sites offshore of the D-Day landing sites. Elsewhere, 2020 renewable energy targets are looking easier for some than others, and new targets for the following decades are already under discussion, as ambitions for a 20MW turbine are realised that could put the new targets within Europe’s reach.
“Better to have a big project in the sea, whose visual impact from the coast will be almost nil for places of remembrance, than lots of little wind farm projects on land”
Thierry Masson, General Director in charge of Environmental at the Regional Council, regarding plans to build farms off D-Day shores
“Europe needs to agree new policies and targets now for the period after 2020 to achieve the 80-95 per cent emissions reduction it has committed itself to. EWEA believes a more ambitious emissions reduction target for 2020, alongside additional goals for 2030 and 2040, an Emissions Performance Standard and a new renewable energy target for 2030, can drive the ‘revolution in energy systems’ which EU Heads of State recently acknowledged is necessary” Christian Kjaer, CEO of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)
“In addition to the evolution of the energy mix in France, the aim is to build a French industry sector and become a leader in offshore wind and marine renewable energies”
Environment Minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet
