- The floating solar plant will be built at the site of a hydroelectricity power plant.
- The plant is part of EDF’s goal of becoming a leader in solar PV installations in France
EDF Renouvelables has started the construction of its first floating photovoltaic power plant in France. The plant will be constructed on a water reservoir at the Lazer hydroelectric plant in Hautes-Alpes. The plant will have a capacity of 20MWp and will cover over two-thirds of the surface area of the reservoir. The plant is scheduled to be completed in 2022. This plant will double the capacity of the hydroelectric power plant.
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EDF will install the anchors which will ground the solar panels in spring 2021 and then the installation of the floats and the solar panels. 40 people are expected to be mobilised for the project for a period of 13 months.
Nicolas Couderc, director France of EDF Renouvelables believes that the combination of solar and hydroelectricity will be an added advantage and will contribute to meeting the French government’s renewable energy development objectives. He also noted that “the Lazer floating solar power plant is also contributing to the success of EDF’s solar plan.” EDF aims to be a leader in solar PV deployment in France, with a 30% market share by 2035.