EDF Renewables inaugurates Coulée Blanche, its second solar power plant in Martinique. Located north of the town of Saint-Pierre on a lava flow, this project is the result of close collaboration between EDF Renewables, environmental and agricultural associations, elected officials, and local businesses.
The Coulée Blanche solar power plant, with a capacity of 4 MWp, will produce the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of approximately 7,500 people, almost twice the number of inhabitants of the commune of Saint-Pierre. Martinique remains highly dependent on imported fuel oil for its electricity production (73%), the Coulée Blanche power plant will contribute to the territory's energy autonomy and to decarbonizing its electricity mix.
The work carried out by EDF Renewables to develop the site also benefits local agricultural production by making the land suitable for agricultural activity. A sheep farmer and a beekeeper will be able to benefit from the land and support for their installation free of charge thanks to a partnership with SCACOM (Société Coopérative Agricole Caprins Ovins de la Martinique).
EDF Renewables also finances voluntary actions outside the space dedicated to the solar power plant, such as cocoa planting, the reclamation of wasteland with the AFAF Martinique association, and focuses on the protection and development of biodiversity.
The Coulée Blanche power plant will also have a positive impact on local employment, as EDF Renewables has opted to collaborate with the EPICES association to integrate people undergoing rehabilitation during the construction phase. In total, more than €2 million of work has been awarded to local companies.
Sofiane BOUKEBBOUS for EDF Renewables on the inauguration of the park “We are proud to continue our development in the overseas territories and to support Martinique's transition to energy autonomy, through this new renewable energy production plant located on an old lava flow. The Coulée Blanche solar power plant contributes to the development of the local economy and also helps to revalue this land for agriculture..”
Charles VIRASSAMY, president of APNE APNE encourages all projects relating to renewable energies as long as they respect the environment and contribute to the well-being of populations.. »
Christian RAPHA, Mayor of St Pierre declared: " As Mayor, I am proud of the completion of this project, located in the town of Saint-Pierre, which marks a decisive step towards Martinique's energy transition. Currently, 73% of Martinique's electricity production depends on fuel oil. The Coulée Blanche power plant brings us closer to the goal of producing 100% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030. I would like to commend the work of Mr. Hervé Planchette, Deputy Mayor responsible for the energy transition, for his involvement in the completion of this project. “