The Syndicat des Énergies Renouvelables (SER) published a statement on April 11 defending the strategic role of onshore wind energy in France. The statement follows media coverage of three recent court decisions linked to its impact on biodiversity and landscapes.

While the SER avoids directly commenting on these cases, it emphasizes that onshore wind power is an essential tool for addressing the climate crisis, reducing energy dependence, and relocating economic value.

“The onshore wind industry fully responds to the dual challenge of responsibility,” maintains the SER, highlighting that this source already supplies more than 10% of French household electricity consumption, according to RTE data.

A concrete alternative to fossil fuels

The statement puts into context the economic and environmental costs associated with the use of fossil fuels in France. In 2022, their imports represented €124 billion, while in 2024 that figure dropped to €62.5 billion. Beyond the financial aspect, the SER warns that the ecological impact of these sources is felt on a global scale.

“The fossil fuels we consume significantly degrade biodiversity beyond our borders,” the union emphasizes, referring to the damage caused during extraction, transportation, and refining, especially of oil.

A Model Serving Energy Sovereignty

Given the current geopolitical scenario, the SER emphasizes that continued dependence on fossil fuels implies vulnerability to regimes that trigger conflicts or exert economic pressure on France. From this perspective, advancing renewable energies such as onshore wind power not only addresses climate change but also strengthens the country’s energy sovereignty.

“It is essential to continue developing renewable energies,” affirms the SER, as the only realistic way to replace fossil fuels, which still represent more than 60% of final energy consumption.

A regulated, committed, and continuously improving sector

Far from adopting a permissive stance, the French wind energy sector is part of a legal framework that, according to the SER, is among the most environmentally protective in Europe. The development of each wind farm must undergo environmental impact studies with three key objectives: to avoid, reduce, and offset the effects on biodiversity.

Along these lines, measures such as bird detection systems and financial compensation mechanisms are implemented through the Biodiversity Fund and the National Action Plans (NAPs) established by the APER Law.

“It would be illusory to believe that the development of wind farms has no impact,” acknowledges the SER, which advocates for a continuous improvement approach to minimize its effects.

Relocalization of Value and Environmental Control

A key argument highlighted by the union is the ability of onshore wind power to relocalize value creation within France. While emissions associated with fossil fuels occur largely in producing countries, wind power production on French soil allows for better control of its environmental footprint.

“By producing this renewable energy on our soil, we have the means to reduce its effects and better control them,” affirms the SER.

A Substantial Political and Ecological Decision

The underlying message of the statement is clear: judicial decisions should not be isolated from the global strategic and climate context. Onshore wind energy represents a concrete and responsible response to structural challenges, and its development must continue if we wish to halt the destruction of ecosystems and reduce energy dependence.

“These decisions must be embraced,” concludes the SER, calling for support for the political and economic direction of the energy transition.