FRENCH WIND GETS BIGGER

France sets wind energy record
Jan Dodd, 15 November 2010 (Windpower Monthly)

"On 11 November, wind energy covered 5% of the electricity needs of France for the day, setting a new record.

"Strong winds over the whole country pushed this up to a peak of 7% at one point during the night, when the power output reached 3885MW, according to data provided by the grid operator RTE."

France is putting its wind to work with no retirement age. (click to enlarge)

[Trade association Renewable Energy Syndicate (SER):] "The turbines were operating at over 70% of their total power…nearly twice the average consumption of a city such as Paris."

"Current installed capacity in mainland France stands at just over 5.1GW."