Our solutions
Wind energy
Mexens develops, builds and operates onshore wind farms. With 118 MW in operation and 275 MW under development, we support local communities in their energy transition through collaborative, sustainable projects that create local value.
Turnkey solution
Income
Option for repowering
Onshore wind power is a renewable source of electricity that harnesses the power of the wind to generate carbon-free electricity. A wind turbine operates via a rotor whose blades, driven by the wind, drive a generator that converts kinetic energy into electricity. This green electricity is then fed into the national grid, supplying homes, businesses and local authorities.
Onshore wind power is a mature and competitive technology and one of the cornerstones of France’s energy transition. It generates electricity at a controlled cost, produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and contributes directly to the objectives of the Multi-Year Energy Plan (PPE).
- A renewable, inexhaustible and carbon-free energy source
- Competitive production costs that remain stable over time
- An industry that creates local jobs that cannot be relocated
- Fully compatible with agricultural activities
- Direct tax revenue for local authorities
The benefits for your region
Local economic benefits
A wind farm boosts the region’s economic development by generating direct economic benefits for the host communities.
- Local taxes paid annually to local authorities and inter-municipal bodies
- Land rents for landowners and farmers
- Creation of local jobs during the construction and operational phases
Agricultural compatibility
As the footprint of a wind turbine is limited, this combination of primary farming activities and energy generation adds value to your agricultural land.
Farming operations continue as normal around the turbines, with no significant loss of land, whilst generating direct social and environmental benefits.
Low-carbon energy
By generating green electricity locally, every megawatt of installed capacity helps to promote energy independence and reduce CO₂ emissions from the French energy mix.
Onshore wind power remains one of the lowest-carbon sources of electricity across its entire life cycle.
Crowdfunding
Mexens offers crowdfunding schemes open to local residents and citizens, enabling everyone to play an active role in their local area’s energy transition.
What does a wind farm project involve?
Mexens is involved at every stage of the project, from site identification through to the operation of the wind farm. It takes an average of 8 to 10 years to bring a wind farm project to fruition.
Our teams identify suitable sites by analysing wind data, technical constraints, regulatory restrictions and environmental considerations. Initial discussions are held with local councillors, landowners and farmers.
Over the course of a full biological cycle (four seasons), ecological, landscape and acoustic studies are carried out in collaboration with independent consultancy firms. A measurement mast may be installed to measure wind speed and direction. These studies determine the optimal layout of the wind farm in accordance with the ERC approach: Avoid, Reduce, Compensate.
Throughout the development process, Mexens involves local residents and elected representatives in shaping the project:
- Newsletters and a website dedicated to the project
- Public information sessions
- Monitoring committees with local stakeholders
- Visits to existing wind farms
The application for an environmental permit (DDAE) is submitted to the Prefecture. Following a review by the relevant government departments, a public consultation is held to allow local residents to have their say. The Prefect then issues a decision on the permit.
Site preparation, construction of foundations, electrical cabling, delivery and installation of wind turbines (towers, nacelles, blades), connection to the grid and commissioning.
Our teams oversee, operate and maintain the fleet to ensure optimal production throughout its lifespan.
At the end of the cycle, there are two options: repowering (replacing the wind farm) or dismantling, followed by full site restoration.
Repowering: giving your wind farms a new lease of life
Repowering consists of replacing the wind turbines in an existing wind farm with latest-generation turbines or refurbished, higher-performance machines. This approach makes it possible to increase electricity production on a site that has already been identified and accepted by the local area.
Mexens supports owners of wind farms nearing the end of their operating cycle in assessing and implementing suitable repowering solutions.
Increased electricity production thanks to higher-performance turbines
The number of turbines is maintained or reduced on the same site
Increased tax revenues for local authorities due to higher installed capacity
Existing infrastructure is leveraged (access roads, grid connection, wind data)
Continuity of energy generation in an area already engaged in the transition
A collaborative project rooted in its local area
At Mexens, each wind project is developed in close collaboration with local stakeholders: elected officials, residents, farmers, and associations. We believe that a successful project is a shared project.
Dialogue and transparency
From the very outset of the planning process, we engage in open dialogue with local stakeholders. Public meetings, information sessions, monitoring committees and dedicated communication materials ensure that clear and regular updates are provided at every stage of the project.
Tangible economic benefits
- Local taxation: IFER, CFE and CVAE paid annually to local authorities and inter-municipal bodies
- Land rents: a steady source of income for landowners and farmers
- Local jobs: civil engineering, maintenance, hospitality, engineering consultancies
- Financement participatif : ouvert aux riverains pour co-investir dans le projet
Are you interested in onshore wind power?
Whether you are a local councillor, a landowner or a farmer, Mexens can help you plan and implement a wind power project tailored to your area.
Request a callbackRelevant profiles
Community
Landowner
Farmer
Technical requirements
Areas with sufficient and consistent wind
Land situated at a distance from residential areas (minimum regulatory distance of 500 metres)
Approval by the local council of the municipality where the business is located
Our productions
Mexens operates 11 wind farms in France, with a total installed capacity of 118 MW.
Why choose Mexens?
Contact usFrench independent producer
Mexens is an independent renewable energy producer, founded in 2008. We manage the entire value chain: development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance.
Multi-energy
Fort d’une expertise dans le solaire, le stockage, l’éolien et le biogaz, Mexens propose des solutions diversifiées pour répondre aux enjeux énergétiques de chaque territoire.
Local roots
Our teams are based throughout France. We develop each project in close consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring that the parks are well-received and create value.
Long-term commitment
From the initial feasibility study through to repowering, Mexens is a long-term partner committed to the project throughout its entire lifecycle.
Are you interested in our wind energy offering?
Get in touch with our teams to assess the potential of your land and the feasibility of a wind farm project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A modern wind turbine has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. At the end of its lifecycle, the wind farm can undergo repowering (replacement with more efficient machines) or be dismantled, with the site restored.
The ground footprint of a wind turbine is very limited (a few hundred square meters per turbine). Agricultural activities continue as normal around the installations. Farmers also receive an annual lease payment.
Host municipalities and intermunicipal bodies receive annual taxes (IFER, CFE, CVAE) throughout the entire operating life of the wind farm. These revenues help fund local public services.
Repowering involves replacing wind turbines at the end of their life with next-generation machines or refurbished turbines. The number of turbines may remain the same or be reduced, while potentially increasing the site’s power and energy production.
The noise of a modern wind turbine is comparable to a quiet conversation at 500 meters. Acoustic studies are systematically carried out to ensure compliance with regulatory thresholds.
More than 90% of a wind turbine’s components are recyclable (steel, copper, aluminum). The blades, made of composite materials, are subject to dedicated recycling channels currently under development.
Do you have any other questions?
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