By successfully installing wind farms in mainland France, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and North Atlantic, Aerowatt integrates the various wind related businesses, from project design to the final stage of selling the energy.
To date, 100% of the projects carried out by Aerowatt have been successfully completed.  Wind-generated power station in New Caledonia Site identification and land property
First stage in the installation of a wind farm and site identification includes the ecological impact, electrical connection facilities, land availability, public easements and feasibility criteria…
The suggested sites must have the correct wind exposure and be close to the main grid to which they can be easily connected.
Wind study and confirmation of the appropriateness of the site
By installing measurement masts, the company can ascertain the wind strength, regularity and direction on the site. It can thus determine what type of machine is best suited to the site and the ideal position for each wind turbine.
 Wind map  Information processing software
Aerowatt entrusted these studies to its subsidiary Winergy, which, thanks to its expertise, developed a range of specific tools : geo-stationary kites, collection and processing of information using its own software.
To ascertain the best locations for siting wind turbines, Aerowatt relies on the acknowledged experience of its subsidiary Winergy, which, having a perfect knowledge of wind maps, has carried out wind measurements and analyses, installation studies and about 20 wind atlases on more than 60 sites throughout the world.
In addition to environmental studies, numerous studies are conducted on the logistical aspects of the sites, from the availability of access roads, soil quality for foundations to how to connect to the grid.
Administrative authorisations
Administrative formalities are conducted at the same time as the wind study : planning permission, impact studies, landscape simulations, getting through the site committees, public enquiries, connection to the grid, checking easements, establishing ZDEs (Wind Development Area) etc. On average, this stage lasts 18 months. It is the most complex stage because it involves the State's technical departments and numerous other bodies (local government officers, local residents, design offices etc…).
Technical and environmental studies are carried out at the same time as the administrative formalities in order to obtain the best possible layout. These studies enable the effects of installing wind turbines on the sites to be assessed, particularly in terms of visual and sound impact from the point of view of the local population, as well as the impact on flora and fauna.
Its 15 years in this sector give Aerowatt decisive expertise in the legal formalities and authorisations required before a new wind farm can be built. Aerowatt's teams have an excellent knowledge of all the administrative routes that need to be followed before building a wind farm.
Financing
This phase of seeking finance includes negotiating with banks, seeking grants, using tax mechanisms and seeking investors.
 Erection of a wind turbine In this field, Aerowatt's experience enables it to work with the appropriate contacts in State departments, local institutions and financial organisations. As a responsible project developer, the company becomes involved in the projects it develops as shareholder or joint shareholder.
Realisation
Aerowatt acts as the developer and contractor for the wind farms it builds. The company thus retains control of the selection and the co-ordination of the various trades used on the project (earthworks, electricity, plant supply…), technical and financial monitoring and managing the connection to the EDF network.
 The wind rises, the wind turbines get into position... With its extensive experience, Aerowatt enjoys unanimously acknowledged technical expertise, particularly of cyclonic areas, sites enduring severe weather conditions and complex terrain. Thus, overseas, Vergnet S.A's wind-generators can be tilted down in the event of a cyclone warning, to protect the investment.
Operation and maintenance
The electricity thus produced is sold to EDF within the framework of the law which imposes an obligation to buy at a regulated price in accordance with 15 year contracts.
The working life of a wind farm is about 20 to 25 years. Aerowatt itself demolishes the wind plants which have come to the end of their life. The company recently demolished its first power station built in Lastours (South of France) in 1983.
The market
The renewable energies market is a professional market with strong growth potential and high objectives : France is the second largest European wind generated electricity producer.
The market is currently highly splintered and there are significant barriers in the way of entering it. It is currently buoyed by rising fuel prices and the need of countries to diversify their energies in response to climate change and directives on greenhouse effect emissions control initiated at the Kyoto summit.
France has set ambitious objectives for its wind powered energy market which ultimately should account for 21% of French electricity production, i.e. 10,000 MW in 2010 and 17,000 MW in 2015.
Measures have been put in place to achieve this : EDF is obliged to buy the KWh produced by wind power at an attractive price with 15 year contracts, within the framework of the Ministerial Order of 10 th July 2006.
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