French Courts Impose Shutdowns on Hérault Wind Farms Over Wildlife Protections
Recent rulings order operational suspensions and fines for wind farm operators after violations of biodiversity laws, highlighting the conflict between renewable energy and wildlife conservation.
- The Montpellier tribunal has ordered a four-month suspension of 31 turbines at the Aumelas wind farm, citing the deaths of 160 protected birds since 2006.
- EDF Renouvelables and other operators of the Aumelas site face fines totaling €5 million, with individual executives also penalized.
- A one-year shutdown was mandated for the Bernagues wind farm following the death of a royal eagle in 2023, with fines of €200,000 imposed on operator ERL and its manager.
- The Bernagues wind farm also faces demolition after a December 2023 ruling found it lacked a valid construction permit; the operator has appealed to the Cour de cassation.
- These rulings underscore increasing legal and financial risks for wind energy projects, as courts enforce stricter compliance with biodiversity protection laws.
Ouest-France 
l'Opinion 