Pilot community:

SAINT-ETIENNE-DE-LUGDARESFRANCE

Population: 1016 inhabitantsArea: 162 km²Address: Saint Etienne de LugdaresZip code: 7590Phone: 0033 (0)4 66 46 65 84Fax: 0033 (0)4 66 46 65 95Mayor Marc CHAMPELe-mail: cma07@hotmail.frwebsite:

The joint community of Saint Etienne de Lugdares is an average of 1030m high while the highest peak is 1477 m but the relief is rather soft compared to the Massif around.

The region of St Etienne de Lugdares' has a legendary status, as the first victim of the Gévaudan Creature in 1764 was registered there. Also the famous criminal “Papillon” (who escaped many times from the penal colony in Guyana) was born in the region!

With two major activities, agriculture and forestry, the joint community was registered as 1600 inhabitants in 1890. Today's population is stabilized around 500 inhabitants, with mainly elders.

Highly preserved territory is demonstrated by two “Natura 2000” areas and many areas with particular flora and wildlife interest.

Renewable Energy SourcesNow: The current wind farm consists of 11 turbines, for a total power of 18MW and two more

turbines will be set up (2,3 MW each) soon. Future: A second park of 10 wind turbines is planned (23MW) as well as a wood boiler (1MW)

and public subsidies to support private initiatives.

Rational Use of Energy Now: The House of renewable energy (set-up in an ancient flour mill) creates awareness among

the population. A survey on energetic expenses of the joint community was set-up.Future: Improvements will be made in the buildings according to the recommendations from the

survey.