Le parc éolien de Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône

This project is a good example of this creeping takeover of state property by private investors under the guise of ecological necessity. However, what is making this project suspicions is its direct proximity to the Camargue. 

There would be no real a reason to complain about creations of sustainable energy projects, but it has to be kept in mind that the Camargue is a national reservation site, because it has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. Now these 30.000 sqm area is closed off for security reasons and controlled by private security. 

It is this privatization, where some illustrious individuals are sneaking into community properties which we know so well from many places in the developing world. 

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The 25 turbines, each 75 meters in height are located at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, along the Canal du Rhone, to the port of Fos-sur-mer, on a lengths of about 5 km. They produce 52 million kilowatts annually, enough to power consumption of 60 000 persons. The wind farm supplies the cities of Port St. Louis du Rhone, 8.300 inhabitants, Fos-sur-mer, 15.000 residents, and businesses in the industrial zone near Marseille.

A hint for tourists coming to the region: don't get ripped off and drive into the "Camargue Trap" the ferry ride across a 200 meter wide arm of the Rhone River delta. 

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(39 photos and detailed fact in English & German available, downloads at Teamwork)