Epinac, September 28, 2023 – EDF Renewables announces the commissioning of the Epinac solar power plant in Saône-et-Loire. Located on former mining land, this installation allows the redevelopment of an industrial site to benefit the region's energy transition.
The Epinac solar power plant, with a power of 3.1 MWp, is made up of approximately 5,500 photovoltaic panels and can provide the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of approximately 70% of the population of Epinac.
After obtaining the building permit in April 2019, the project was the winner of a call for tenders from the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) in 2021 to benefit from an electricity purchase price guaranteed by the State for the next 20 years.
In June 2022, residents of the Saône-et-Loire department and those of neighboring departments had the opportunity to participate in the construction of the power plant through the crowdfunding platform Lendosphere. This campaign was a great success. It raised 80,000 euros from 73 private investors.
The Epinac photovoltaic power plant integrates environmental issues. The work phase was carried out outside of a sensitive period for the local fauna and flora identified during ecological studies. Environmental monitoring, carried out in parallel with the work, will continue throughout the duration of the plant's operation.
This solar power plant strengthens the presence of EDF Renewables in the Burgundy Franche-Comté region, with 10 solar power plants and 3 wind farms in operation for an installed capacity of 160 MWp. EDF Renewables is also continuing its development with 8 solar power plants under construction, and thus contributing to the objectives set at the regional level of 69% of renewable energy production by 2030.
Robert Poggi, Director of EDF Regional Action in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, has indicated : " The EDF group and its partners are helping to build a carbon-neutral future in France. The inauguration of the Epinac solar power plant demonstrates the strong dynamic that the EDF group has in favor of renewables in the territories. This new production asset is completely part of the EDF group's partnership with the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region in favor of the development of carbon-free energies but also of local employment and innovation. ".
Alexandre Margain, Regional Manager EDF Renewables, added: “ The Epinac photovoltaic power plant makes it possible to convert former industrial mining land into a source of low-carbon electricity production. The close collaboration between EDF Renewables and the municipality of Epinac made it possible to develop a project corresponding to the expectations of the region. It is fully in line with national and regional energy transition ambitions. EDF Renewables has paid the greatest attention to enhancing the site's assets with the aim of promoting economic and human development. »
About EDF Renewables
EDF Renouvelables is an international energy company that develops, builds and operates renewable energy production plants.
A major player in the world's energy transition, EDF Renewables deploys competitive, responsible and value-creating projects within EDF. In each country, our teams are engaged on a daily basis with the territories by putting their expertise and their capacity for innovation at the service of the fight against climate change.
At the end of 2022, EDF Renewables has an installed capacity of 11.4 GW net (18.5 GW gross) worldwide.
Mainly present in Europe and North America, the company is also developing in emerging markets such as: South Africa, Brazil, China, India and the Middle East. Historically active in onshore wind power and photovoltaics, the Company is significantly strengthening its position in installed and floating offshore wind power, as well as in new technologies such as energy storage, floating solar and agrivoltaics.
For more information : www.edf-renouvelables.com
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PRESS CONTACTS
EDF Renewables
Eugénie Gai ▪ tel. : +33 (0)1 41 02 78 31 ▪ email: eugenie.gai@edf-re.fr
Emilien Lacroix ▪ tel. : +33 (0)1 40 90 21 48 ▪ email: emilien.lacroix@edf-re.fr