20MW floating solar PV project in Eastern France
In Eastern France, the first large-scale floating solar PV plant has been successfully completed at a former industrial site. This innovative project is set to generate electricity that can power over 7,000 homes in the region.
The 20MW floating solar PV installation was a collaborative effort between Générale du Solaire, a prominent French independent electricity producer, and Ciel & Terre, a leading French company specializing in floating solar technology.
Revolutionary Project in Alsace
This groundbreaking project, known as the Leutenheim floating solar PV project, marks a significant milestone as the first floating solar endeavour undertaken by Générale du Solaire. Situated in Alsace, northeastern France, the project is situated on a former gravel pit that has been transformed into a pond for this purpose.
Comprising two floating solar islands, the Leutenheim project is projected to generate an impressive 21,750MWh of electricity annually. This output is equivalent to powering 7,250 households and will result in a reduction of approximately 1,392 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Environmental and Ecological Impact
Besides its energy generation capabilities, the Leutenheim installation and its accompanying pond are playing a crucial role in rehabilitating the former industrial site. This dual-purpose initiative not only produces renewable energy but also provides ecological benefits to the region.
For the construction of this pioneering project, Ciel & Terre employed their latest Hydrelio technology, known as aiR Optim. This innovative float design streamlines cable management and other essential infrastructure, making maintenance procedures more straightforward and efficient.
The aiR Optim solution is highly adaptable and modular, allowing for flexible configurations tailored to the specific requirements of each floating solar PV installation. This versatility ensures that the technology can be seamlessly integrated into various projects, enhancing its overall efficiency and effectiveness.
