French offshore wind power - Impact studies: how to make them

The first public inquiries for the installation of wind farms off French coasts will take place in 2015 and impact studies appear to be key elements to back discussions and debates. These studies will have to assess the impact of the wind turbines on different aspects of the natural environment. For the landscape aspect, the visual perception of the wind farm from the coast and coastal villages will have to be studied. As for natural life, the impact on the fish resource will have to be assessed as well as the effects on bird, bat and sea mammal populations. The risk of accident with ships or planes will have to be considered. Some impacts will be positive or negative, permanent or temporary, direct or indirect. The final report will have to propose measures to mitigate negative impacts or even remedial measures if necessary to compensate for them. Impact studies imply to make a preliminary study of the environment prior the installation in order to draw the reference situation. (A.C.)