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Four projects in four separate regions have reportedly been selected for the first 15 MW round of France's new wind programme, Eole 2005. Announcement of the projects was due in mid March, but was still awaiting the final approval of Electricité de France (EDF). The utility has been in charge of assessing the 38 bids tendered for both the first 15 MW call for proposals and a second 35 MW stage of Eole 2005. For the wind industry, the need to gain an early foothold in what promises to be a significant European market of the future is currently focusing attention on France. There is also keen interest in learning more about the criteria used by EDF in selecting projects. While price is known to be important, an even distribution of wind plant development throughout the country -- and not just in the most windy region -- is also believed to be an EDF priority.