The EDF group and its partners launch Vitisolar: An experimental agrivoltaic project on vines near Bordeaux

The EDF group, via its EDF R&D department and its subsidiary EDF Renewables, is launching a photovoltaic pilot project on agricultural land in partnership with Ampex (ArcelorMittal Exosun), INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment ), the University of Bordeaux, the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture as well as the Regional Federation of CUMA (Cooperative for the Joint Use of Agricultural Equipment). This partnership aims to achieve an agrivoltaic solution based on a structure adapted to vines in New Aquitaine, a wine-growing region particularly impacted by climate change. The project must demonstrate the good coexistence of wine and electricity production.

Located on the Grande Ferrade site of INRAE-Nouvelle-Aquitaine-Bordeaux, the Vitisolar demonstrator will consist of an elevated structure covering a plot of Merlot vines of 2,000 m2, around ten years old. Equipped with adjustable bifacial photovoltaic panels, the solar structure will be designed by Ampex. EDF will bring its skills in photovoltaics, modeling and engineering to the installation, drawing in particular on feedback from a demonstrator located on the EDF Lab les Renardières site (Seine-et-Marne).

Agronomic and biodiversity studies will begin in 2022 with the INRAE-Nouvelle-Aquitaine Bordeaux and Poitiers and ISVV teams. The prototype of the demonstrator will also be produced to allow its construction in early 2023. During the 5 years of monitoring of the demonstrator, EDF and its partners will endeavor to analyze the compatibility of the photovoltaic structure with the vine, by studying the benefits of a structure which would shelter the vine in the event of bad weather or during episodes of drought, the health of the plant (growth, water requirement, diseases), while respecting agricultural practices (e.g. use of agricultural machinery) and the biodiversity. With the support of EDF R&D, they will also work on panel control algorithms and study the opportunity for electrification of agricultural uses (robots, electrification of machines).

The project is part of a collaborative approach. Stakeholders in the wine industry will be represented through a professional industry committee called “Club Vitisolar”. A cross-sector scientific committee (agronomy, energy, environment) as well as constant dialogue with citizens, local residents and communities will complete this project monitoring system.

This innovative project carried out by a region and committed stakeholders should make it possible to enrich scientific knowledge on this technology of the future. It is financially supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency) and the European Union.

This project is in line with the principles of the charter of good practices signed by EDF Renewables, the Permanent Assembly of the French Chambers of Agriculture (APCA) and the National Federation of Agricultural Operators' Unions (FNSEA) to develop and better supervise the ground-mounted photovoltaic projects on agricultural land while responding to the challenges of the energy transition. This innovation is fully integrated into EDF's Solar Plan, which aims to make the Group one of the leaders in the sector in France, thanks in particular to responsible and concerted use of land. Finally, this project is part of the Néo Terra roadmap of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region to accelerate the energy and ecological transition.

About EDF
A major player in the energy transition, the EDF group is an integrated energy company, present in all businesses: production, transport, distribution, trading, energy sales and energy services. Leader in low-carbon energies in the world, the Group has developed a diversified production mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydraulics) and is investing in new technologies to support the energy transition. EDF's purpose is to build a CO2-neutral energy future reconciling preservation of the planet, well-being and development, thanks to electricity and innovative solutions and services. The Group participates in the supply of energy and services to approximately 37.9 million customers (1), including 28.7 million in France (2). In 2020, it achieved a consolidated turnover of 69.0 billion euros. EDF is a company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
(1) Customers have been counted since 2018 by delivery site; a customer can have two delivery points: one for electricity and another for gas.
(2) Including ÉS (Electrcité de Strasbourg).

About EDF in New Aquitaine
In New Aquitaine, where more than 8,600 employees live and work, the EDF group produces CO2 neutral energy at more than 97% with the Blayais and Civaux nuclear power plants, the 62 hydraulic dams in Limousin and the Pyrenees, the solar power plants and wind farms but also with 9 heating networks. A committed player alongside the territories to accelerate the energy and solidarity transition in New Aquitaine, the EDF group supports its individual, industrial and community customers and offers efficient and environmentally friendly energy solutions and services. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_Aquitaine

About EDF Renewables
EDF Renewables is an international leader in renewable electricity production with installed wind and solar capacity of 13.8 GW gross worldwide. Mainly present in Europe and North America, EDF Renewables continues its development by taking a position in promising emerging markets such as: Brazil, China, India, South Africa and the Middle East. Historically active in onshore wind power and photovoltaics, the Company is now strongly positioned in offshore wind power and new technologies such as energy storage. EDF Renewables ensures the development and construction of renewable energy projects as well as their operation and maintenance. EDF Renewables is a subsidiary of the EDF group.
For more information: www.edf-renouvelables.com
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edf-renouvelables and on Twitter @EDF_RE in French and @EDF_Renewables in English.

About ArcelorMittal Projects Exosun
The company was formed following the acquisition of Exosun, a global provider of innovative and competitive solar tracking solutions, by global steel leader ArcelorMittal. Driven by customer engagement, operational excellence and innovation, the company supports energy producers, project developers and EPCs to increase their solar revenues. The company designs, develops and markets solar monitoring solutions dedicated to large ground-based photovoltaic power plants, and today benefits from the commercial, industrial and R&D support of the ArcelorMittal group.

About INRAE
INRAE, the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, is a major player in research and innovation created on January 1, 2020. Finalized research institute resulting from the merger between the Inra and Irstea, INRAE brings together a community of 12,000 people, with 273 research, service and experimental units located in 18 centers throughout France. The institute is positioned among the world's leading research organizations in agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, and ecology-environment. It is the first global research organization specializing in the “agriculture-food-environment” complex. INRAE aims to be a key player in the transitions necessary to respond to major global challenges. Faced with population growth, climate change, the scarcity of resources and the decline of biodiversity, the institute builds solutions for multi-efficient agriculture, quality food and sustainable management of resources and ecosystems. Join us on: www.inrae.fr
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inrae and on Twitter @INRAE_France

About INRAE Nouvelle-Aquitaine-Poitiers
Located in a region rich in crops and livestock, this research center is recognized for its expertise in meadows, animal production and territories, serving efficient and sustainable agriculture. He is leading the National Center for Research, Innovation and Education on Agri-Photovoltaism (PNR-Agri-PV) project, to invent the agriculture of tomorrow in synergy with the production of renewable electricity. Join us on: www.inrae.fr/centres/nouvelle-aquitaine-poitiers
Follow us on Twitter @INRAE_Poitiers

About INRAE Nouvelle-Aquitaine-Bordeaux
At the heart of a large agricultural and forestry region, the INRAE Nouvelle-Aquitaine-Bordeaux center conducts innovative and finalized research in plant sciences, ecology and environment, human and social sciences, neuroscience and nutrition. In the current context of global changes, work is carried out to respond to the challenges of the agricultural, forestry and aquaculture sectors, while offering support for public policies. Join us on: www.inrae.fr/centres/nouvelle-aquitaine-bordeaux
Follow us on Twitter @INRAE_NA_BDX

About the Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences (ISVV)
The Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences is a special institute of the University of Bordeaux which brings together all the research, training and technology transfer teams in the wine sector from multiple partners on the Bordeaux site. . Founded in 2009, the ISVV succeeded the Faculty of OEnology. Today the majority of its research teams and students benefit from the exceptional setting of a modern 10,000 m² building, located on the edge of the INRAE estate, in the middle of 10 hectares of experimental plots of vines, while remaining in the heart of the Bordeaux metropolis. Recognized throughout the world, the ISVV is currently the largest center for research and technology transfer on vines and wine in Europe and aims to be the largest international multidisciplinary center.

About the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture
The Gironde Chamber of Agriculture acts on a daily basis to represent farmers, improve the performance of their farms, and support them in the evolution of their practices. It is fully committed to issues related to the environment and global warming, and its teams are carrying out numerous experiments in this direction. Our objective: to provide innovative solutions to winegrowers, tested in real conditions, to enable them to respond to new challenges. Our participation in Vitisolar is part of this dynamic of accelerating transitions.

About the regional federation of CUMA de Nouvelle Aquitaine
The regional federation of CUMAs of Nouvelle-Aquitaine brings together more than 1,600 CUMAs for 42,000 member farmers, or 6 out of 10 farmers.
Spread across the entire territory of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the CUMAs, historically created to develop agricultural mechanization, today work with the entire network on different themes linked to agricultural equipment and agriculture. Agroecological and energy transitions are essential areas of work.

PRESS CONTACTS

EDF Renewables
Manon de Cassini-Hérail ▪ tel. : +33 (0)1 40 90 48 22 ▪ email: manon.decassini-herail@edf-re.fr
Eugénie Gai ▪ tel. : +33 (0)6 10 89 41 24 ▪ email: eugenie.gai@edf-re.fr

Regional Action Directorate New Aquitaine
Alexandra Heins ▪ tel. : +33 (0)6 65 26 67 09 ▪ email: alexandra.heins@edf.fr