22 December 2005 - France will have to install up to 6000 new wind turbines over the next decade if it is to have any chance of meeting its emissions commitments, according to a new report published by a government agency.

Prepared by the French Ministry of Finance and Economy, the document is due to be presented to the French parliament in early 2006. News stories have reported the document as stating that wind energy is France's only option to boost the share of renewables in its generation portfolio.

France currently has an installed wind capacity of just over 600 MW and if the government heeds the advice of the report, this will rise dramatically to 12.5 GW by 2016, requiring the installation of up to 6000 new wind turbines.

Last week the government appeared to give its support to new wind energy capacity by approving the creation of seven new wind farms which will have a combined generation capacity of 279 MW.

EDF has recently announced plans to spend €3.5bn ($4.1bn) installing 3300 MW of new wind capacity in France by 2010.