Residents in Lorraine region join together to build wind farm

Pursuing the model that got the Danish and German wind markets off the ground, local investors in the Lorraine region of northeast France have grouped together to build a wind farm. Around 100 local residents hold shares in the 32 MW Haut des Ailes wind farm, currently under construction. Local entrepreneur François Pelissier set up owner company Erelia SAS specifically to develop and operate the plant with the local community. The 16, 2 MW Repower turbines will be divided into three groups to comply with the 12 MW limit for guaranteed premium purchase prices. Completion is scheduled for December 2005.