Akuo, a number one impartial renewable power producer and developer, and a pioneer in floating photo voltaic expertise in France, has efficiently commissioned a cutting-edge floating solar energy plant close to Toulouse in southern France’s Cintegabelle area.

The inauguration is scheduled for September and Akuo Group stays dedicated to advancing its efforts within the floating photo voltaic sector, with plans to launch a 3rd floating solar energy plant in Gouts, situated within the southwest area of France (Landes).

Cintegabelle marks the second operational floating photo voltaic plant by Akuo, following the profitable commissioning of the O’MEGA1 plant (17 MWp) in Piolenc, France, in October 2019. The O’MEGA1 plant’s capability was additional expanded to 22 MWp in the summertime of 2022. Situated on Cap Vert Lake, protecting an space of 19 hectares, the Cintegabelle plant boasts a formidable capability of 8.7 MWp. This man-made lake, initially a gravel quarry, now serves a multi-purpose position as a reservoir, fishing space, and sustainable supply of photo voltaic electrical energy, because of the combination of floating photo voltaic expertise. 

By delivering native and decentralized renewable power, the newly established floating photovoltaic energy plant provides clear electrical energy to over 2,000 houses, stopping the emission of greater than 900 metric tons (1,000 tons) of CO2 annually. This vital environmental contribution aligns with Occitania’s targets, because the area goals to quadruple its photovoltaic manufacturing by 2030 and set up itself as Europe’s main optimistic power area by 2050.

The commissioning of the Cintegabelle floating photo voltaic plant was made doable via the monetary assist of Arkea Banque Entreprises & Institutionnels, Caisse d’Epargne Aquitaine Poitou Charentes, and its monetary engineering subsidiary Hélia Conseil, together with contributions from the Energy MAIF Transition fund. Akuo has entered right into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Octopus Energy (previously Plüm Energie), an electrical energy provider. This PPA paperwork a long-term dedication (20 years) from Octopus Energy to buy the electrical energy generated by Akuo on the Cintegabelle plant at a predetermined value.

Floating photo voltaic services supply a number of environmental benefits. By protecting a portion of the lake’s floor, the photo voltaic panels scale back pure evaporation. To protect the aesthetics, a hedge composed of a number of species has been planted to attenuate the visible affect of the ability plant from Espalmade Lane. The web site stays accessible to the general public, and its fishing actions have been maintained. Continuous monitoring of the location’s wildlife will happen all through the lifespan of the photo voltaic plant. An instructional path can also be at the moment being developed to advertise studying about renewable power. In line with this instructional initiative, the village’s youth division and exercise middle have been actively concerned in creating informative indicators, that are at the moment being put in.

Eric Scotto, Akuo’s Chairman and co-founder, mentioned, “It is a source of immense pride for Akuo and all its teams to see this second floating plant become operational. Floating solar technology is crucial to meeting the energy challenges we must rise to together. At Akuo, we are accelerating this through our latest commissioning. We are also delighted to help a new production business model emerge, hand in hand with a longstanding partner, Octopus Energy, and our financial partners”.

Benoit Bonaventur, Head of the Environmental Transition Department at Arkea Banque Entreprises et Institutionnels, added, “We are particularly pleased and proud to be supporting Akuo’s construction of the Cintegabelle floating solar plant, innovative in both technical and contractual terms (sale of electricity to a corporate, Octopus Energy). Furthermore, the plant’s commissioning will have a positive impact for the area (production of decarbonized electricity, jobs, ground rent financing market gardening, etc.) and help the village and the Occitania region to reach their future energy targets”.

Vincent Maillard, co-founder and CEO of Octopus Energy France, defined, “We have been working with Akuo for several years to bring about a new economic model that allows the development of new local production facilities while offering clients the possibility of benefiting from stable price terms over the long term. The current crisis shows just how directly useful this business model is locally”.