First 50,000 m² solar farm due 2025
Orange France is to build a seven-football pitch (7 Fp) sized solar power plant to run its satellite communications site in Bercenay-en-Othe, south-east of Paris. In optimum conditions for photo-voltaic energy conversion, the 50,000 m² site could create 5 MW of electricity, five times the amount needed by the comms site, with the other 4 MW being fed into the French national grid.
A memorandum of agreement has been signed with engineering company Reservoir Sun, an enterprise solar project leader, to set up the power station in Aube. The station is due to go online in 2025.
Proof required
The project’s first major challenge is to prove that the power station is environmentally friendly. The telco and its partner Reservoir Sun, an expert in handling government contracts, must prove their project will not have a ruinous effect on the soil, water table and local flora and fauna. An environmental impact analysis will be conducted carried out in agreement with the DREAL (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing).
This study will be carried out over four seasons in the coming year to determine the potential impact of the project on living species on the site. The study of the natural environment aims to minimize the impact of the facilities and to recreate, if required, species’ habitats.
Securing sustainable power
Orange must expedite its transition to renewables because it has to secure its energy supply while it must also decarbonise its activities, according to Michaël Trabbia, interim CEO for Orange Wholesale and International Networks. “The Bercenay-en-Othe farm reflects our additionality approach and is fully in line with our strategy to develop the use of low-carbon energies that contribute to our environmental commitments.”
Mathieu Cambet, Managing Director of Reservoir Sun said the shared project will mark the start of a strong collaboration to take on the challenges of decarbonization and local energy production.