Le Port, October 27, 2023 – EDF Renewables inaugurates the Rivière des Galets solar power plant in Réunion. Located on a former “wild” landfill, it helps to give a second life to this site. It will provide the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of 4,500 people in renewable energy, or 14% of the population of the commune of Port, for the benefit of the island's energy transition.
With a capacity of 4.6 MWp, the solar power plant is located on municipal land in the economic and industrial activity zone called “ZAC ECOPARC Le Port”. Winner of the call for tenders from the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) in 2020, this project was able to succeed thanks to the support of the Port Municipality and the Urban Community of the West Coast Territory ( TCO). As part of the communities' energy transition policy, it contributes more broadly to the island's objective of energy autonomy and its decarbonization.
As part of this project, EDF Renewables undertook to clean up the site: nearly 2 tonnes of batteries and 1,100 tonnes of waste were collected and then sent to appropriate reprocessing channels.
Nearly 2 million euros of works contracts were awarded to local companies, making it possible to promote the skills of the region. Upkeep and maintenance of the plant will also be carried out by a Reunion company during the 20 years of operation.
The EDF Renewables teams, accompanied by expert offices and local environmental associations, carried out sustained and tailor-made work in order to significantly improve biodiversity on the site where the solar power plant is located. The site was initially covered by ruderal vegetation characterized by the presence of invasive exotic species, with numerous waste having accumulated there for several dozen
of years. Ultimately, the environmental measures will make it possible to restore the biodiversity of the site, in favor of heritage flora and avifauna. Local palm trees and shrubs will be planted and different species of birds will be able to find a new, more suitable habitat.
Sofiane Boukebbous, South-East and Overseas Area Director of EDF Renewables, said : “We are proud to inaugurate the Rivière des Galets solar power plant today and would like to thank the communities for their support throughout the project. EDF Renewables continues its development in Reunion: the Rivière des Galets power plant brings to three the number of ground-mounted solar power plants operated by EDF Renewables. In Sainte-Rose, on the other side of the island, we are also carrying out the renewal of a wind farm. These projects are in line with our objective of supporting territories in their energy transition, in particular non-interconnected areas which have adopted ambitious objectives.”
Olivier Hoarau, Mayor of the Port, said : “I am happy to see this solar power plant now operational. Le Port being one of the sunniest towns on the island, the Rivière des Galets site is the ideal location for this type of installation. We are proud to have initiated this virtuous project in several respects: it meets our ambitious energy transition objectives, gives a second life to this site, and mobilizes local companies, including for the next 20 years of operation. »
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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and @EDF_Renewables in English.
PRESS CONTACTS
For EDF Renewables
Eugénie Gai ▪ tel. : +33 (0) 6 10 89 41 24 ▪ email: eugenie.gai@edf-re.fr
Emilien Lacroix ▪ tel. : +33 (0) 6 38 96 49 48 ▪ email: emilien.lacroix@edf-re.fr