EDF starts deal with floating PV facility

• 20MW project to be constructed on French reservoir

The project will contribute to the success of the solar power growth targets set by the French federal government.

It additionally fits with the EDF group's Solar Plan to come to be a leading player in the field in France, with a 30% market share by 2035.

The 20MW floating solar energy facility, which will be built on a tank powering the Lazer hydroelectric plant, will certainly inhabit an area of 24.5 hectares, around two-thirds of the reservoir's surface.

Project appointing is set up for springtime 2022.

It will create enough electricity to cover the yearly consumption of 12,500 citizens, matching the extensively similar output from the hydroelectric plant.

Geotechnical researches surveying the storage tank's floor have now begun.

The requisite anchor systems for the floating panels will be constructed in springtime 2021 followed by setup of the floaters as well as photovoltaic panels.

Around 40 people are expected to work on-site throughout the 13-month construction duration.

A continuous dialogue has been established with the regional population worrying the Lazer project, initially launched in 2017.

Various technological and also ecological research studies have been carried out to protect the website's biodiversity and also preserve power generation at the Lazer hydroelectric plant.

EDF Renewables' executive vice president for France Nicolas Couderc stated: "We are proud to introduce the building and construction of EDF Renewables' first floating solar facility on the Lazer tank.

" Thanks to this innovative technology, we will be able to generate both hydroelectricity and also solar energy at the same reservoir.

" Combining these 2 renewable resources will offer an added asset to satisfy the government targets for developing renewable energies.

" The Lazer floating solar facility also contributes to success of EDF's Solar strategy."