Lyon, September 6, 2022 – EDF Renewables is today inaugurating the Pouzin solar power plant, in the Ardèche department, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. With an installed capacity of 8.4 MW, this installation is part of EDF's Solar Plan, which aims to make the Group a leader in the solar market in France by 2035.
The Pouzin solar power plant is located in the Ile Chambenier activity zone, belonging to the Syndicat de Développement, d'Equipement et d'Aménagement de l'Ardèche (SDEA 07) and extends over 8 hectares. Made up of around 23,300 photovoltaic panels, the plant has an installed capacity of 8.4 MW. The plant, in service since August 2021, produces the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of around 5,000 inhabitants.
The solar power plant was named the winner of the Energy Regulatory Commission's call for tenders in 2019, thus benefiting from a secure tariff for 20 years. The work began in September 2020. As part of the project, nearly 3.5 million euros in works contracts were awarded to local or regional companies. The modules come from the Photowatt company based in Bourgoin-Jallieu, in Isère. Residents of Ardèche and neighboring departments were able to invest €185,000 in the construction of the power plant in December 2020. The Pouzin solar power plant will generate direct local economic benefits throughout its lifespan.
Measures were implemented during construction to ensure the preservation of biodiversity. Six hectares of compensatory measures will make it possible to perpetuate and strengthen the protection of the habitat of the identified protected avifauna: the Rush Cisticola and the Meadow Chat. Vegetation management by late mowing will be carried out to respect the reproduction cycle of nesting avifauna. Environmental monitoring of the photovoltaic plant and these compensatory measures will continue during the operation of the park.
With the Pouzin solar power plant, EDF Renewables operates around 100 MW of solar energy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Sofiane Boukebbous, South-West and Overseas Zone Director of EDF Renewables, said : " We are very pleased to inaugurate the Pouzin solar power plant, which marks the desire of local authorities to develop renewable energies. This new installation allows EDF Renewables to strengthen its presence in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, while supporting the region in its energy transition. ".