The largest European floating solar power plant built in France
Nov 25, 2019
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Europe's largest floating solar photovoltaic power plant was completed in southern France on Friday (October 18), marking another milestone in solar energy development.
The Rhone Valley in the south of France is known for its quality wines and fine food. Now it can also add solar energy to its list of attractions.
The O'MEGA1 project is a 17 megawatt (MW) floating solar power plant located in Pioranck, Vaucluse, southeast of France, close to Orange and Avignon.
The project is unique in several ways. First, it is the largest European product based on floating solar technology. According to its sponsors, the floating structure helps to reduce conflicts in land use because it can be installed in drinking water reservoirs, industrial pools, flood plains or quarry lakes.
Moreover, the solar power plant has also innovated in the local community and invited citizens to participate in the project. The factory represents the first factory in France and is open to natural persons who own houses in Vaucluse or neighbouring departments.
Eric Scotto, the chairman and co-founder of solar photovoltaic developer Akuo Energy, said: "Today, in addition to establishing the largest floating solar power plant in Europe, we also show that collective efforts are needed to address climate change." Akuo said in a statement: "The purpose of this approach is to encourage citizens to use the financing of energy transformation, in which the stakeholders in the region participate."