Wind turbines in Morbihan: after a long lawsuit, the situation in Guerne is changing

The fate of three windmills in Gerne (Morbihan) is finally decided. They should never have existed and should be dismantled. At least if the operator deigns to comply with the latest court decision. After an endless string of legal proceedings lasting over a decade, on 28 April the State Council rejected another appeal by the SNC Parc éolien de Guern.

It all started in 2005 when a building permit was obtained, which was attacked by the association and canceled in 2009. Despite everything, the park was built less than 500 m from several residential buildings, which is not normative. The application for a new permit in 2012 was again rejected by several administrative courts. Time passes, appeals are being made, the condition of wind turbines that continue to operate illegally is deteriorating.

“They should have been dismantled in January 2023”

In 2020, the prefecture of Morbihan officially notifies the operator of the termination of its activities. Two years later, a new decree ordered the dismantling under the threat of a daily fine of 1,000 euros per day. A new lawsuit by the operator, which was again found to be wrong by the Nantes Administrative Court of Appeal. Not enough to discourage the company that then took over the Council of State. For good reason then.

“The wind turbines should have been dismantled as early as January 2023,” recalls Sébastien Collet, a lawyer for the association that opposes the Guern wind project. If the operator does not comply with the decision, he is subject to criminal liability.” Otherwise, the state can also carry out demolition. According to Mr. Colle, “the inhabitants will experience real relief only when they disappear.”

Although it seems that the end of this battle is near, another battle begins, led by an association of residents who oppose the construction of… a new wind farm in the city.