Civaux, September 28, 2023_ Developed by EDF Renewables on land belonging to the Civaux nuclear power plant, the solar power plant was inaugurated this Thursday, September 28. It illustrates the action of the EDF group to accelerate the electrical transition of territories, by mobilizing all low-carbon energies. With a power of 5 MW, the solar power plant will be able to produce the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 2,700 inhabitants.

As part of EDF's solar plan which aims to accelerate the development of solar energy production facilities, the Civaux nuclear power plant has made land belonging to it available to EDF Renewables to develop a solar power plant. After obtaining its building permit in 2019, this project was the winner of the call for tenders from the Energy Regulatory Commission in 2021. Commissioned in August 2023, the solar power plant is today composed of around 10,000 photovoltaic panels, spread over 7.6 hectares. It will produce the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 2,700 inhabitants, or double the population of the commune of Civaux.

Located on a former sand pit on the edge of a departmental road, the solar power plant responds to several environmental challenges: the production of carbon-free energy and the revaluation of unused land. From its design, the project integrated biodiversity and environmental issues, avoiding certain sensitive areas (hedges, ditches, wetlands, etc.). The work schedule took into account the reproduction periods of the species present. Environmental monitoring of the power plant will continue during operation of the park.

The Civaux solar power plant is a regional project: for 30 years, it will generate economic benefits for the local communities through taxation but also through the mobilization of local businesses, during and after its construction. The residents of Civaux, Vienne and neighboring departments have also contributed €94,000 to finance the construction of the solar power plant as part of a crowdfunding campaign initiated in June 2022.

Other renewable energy projects supported by EDF Renewables are currently being studied and developed in Vienne. Among them, the Migné-Auxances solar power plant under construction or the solar power plant project on the grounds of Poitiers-Biard airport. In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, EDF Renewables already operates 17 solar power plants, as well as 7 onshore wind farms for a cumulative power of around 213 MW.

Thibault Veyssière-Pomot, Greater West Area Director, EDF Renewables, said : " We are very happy to inaugurate the Civaux solar power plant. It is the culmination of a collaboration between the actors of the EDF group and with the territory, for the benefit of the development of
Renewable energy press release. This plant is fully part of the process of rehabilitating unused or abandoned sites with a view to developing low-carbon energies. It participates in the success of the EDF group's Solar Plan, which aims to become a leader in the solar market in France by 2035. ".

Christophe Rieu, director of the Civaux CNPE, declared: “This Civaux solar power plant, built on land made available by the nuclear power plant, is first of all a great demonstration of the mobilization of the different entities of the EDF group to develop renewable energies.
Its location in the immediate vicinity of the nuclear power plant also illustrates, symbolically, the complementarity between nuclear power and renewable energies to produce carbon-free and affordable energy at all times. A determining element for a successful energy transition to
a low carbon society. »

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 engage on a daily basis with the territories by putting their expertise and their capacity for innovation to serve 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 :
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edf-renouvelables and on Twitter @EDF_RE
in French and @EDF_Renewables in English.

◼ PRESS CONTACTS

EDF Renewables
• Amélie Gaudinat – 06 71 92 52 66 ▪ amelie.gaudinatl@edf-re.fr

Civaux nuclear power plant
• Emmanuel Pédrono – 06 74 68 77 40 – emmanuel.pedrono@edf.fr