Wind developer WPD and global digital infrastructure company Equinix have inaugurated a wind farm in France.
The inauguration of the Brandes Communales project in Château-Garnier (pictured) marks a milestone in the partnership between the two companies and comes after they signed one of the largest corporate power purchase agreements in France.
This 20-year PPA covers four wind farm projects in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, including the Château-Garnier wind farm, as well as two in Hauts-de-France and one in Pays de la Loire for a total annual production of 300GWh.
As all seven wind farms have now been commissioned, the contracts will support the production of renewable energy in France until 2045.
Renewable energy generated by the projects will be allocated to the 11 data centre sites operated by Equinix in France. Equinix has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
President of WPD France Grégoire Simon said: “This type of power purchase agreement plays a structuring role in achieving carbon neutrality targets by providing long-term visibility for both producers and companies engaged in their energy transition.
“For WPD, PPAs represent a strategic lever to diversify funding methods and accelerate the development of our wind projects in France.”
General director of Equinix France Régis Castagné added: “The inauguration of the Château-Garnier wind farm is the first realisation of a strategic agreement for Equinix and the continuation of our environmental ambitions.
“This first site and the next six projects will contribute to injecting renewable energy into the French network and reducing the environmental impact of the sector.”
The new wind farm in Château-Garnier is the result of nearly 10 years of consultation and collaboration among all local stakeholders and participants.
In June 2024, a crowdfunding campaign allowed residents to invest directly in the project, with 229 people raising €447,000 between them.
The 12.6MW wind farm comprises three turbines with a tip height of 180 metres and is expected to produce 34,000MWh annually.