Montpezat d’Agenais

In the quest for a cleaner and more resilient energy future, Amarenco stands out as a major player with its very first hybrid (floating and ground) power plant in France.

Strategically located in Montpezat d’Agenais (a commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department), this plant covers 5 hectares, including 3 floating hectares, out of the 8 hectares of the industrial site owned by Longhi Béton. Already operational for a few months, it currently generates 6,170 MWh with a power capacity of 4.8 MWc, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 2,500 people (excluding heating and hot water production). Additionally, the plant will save 250 tonnes of CO2 each year, which is equivalent to 1,300 one-way flights from Paris to New York (5,834 km).

But why a power plant on both land and water? What are the benefits compared to “classic” photovoltaic power plants?
While France has both ground and floating solar power plants, this is the first time a mix of the two has been created. So why this atypical project?

Firstly, to:

• Fully “recycle” an industrial site that has ceased activity, consisting of land and an abandoned lake (and for the latter, go further by attempting to preserve it from evaporation exacerbated by heatwaves. A study conducted by American and Brazilian scientists confirmed this phenomenon caused by floating photovoltaic panels);

• Optimize the electrical output of the solar power plant by exploiting all possible surfaces (as a reminder, “only” 2 hectares out of the 8 of the former Longhi gravel pit would have hosted photovoltaic panels if the lake had not been integrated into this project).

It also appears that floating panels produce more than ground panels, not only because they can be reoriented for better sun exposure (since they are mounted on floats), but also due to the natural reflection of the water. Water also has the effect of cooling the panels, which further increases their productivity.

Thus, after conducting an ecological impact study prior to the construction process, Amarenco, supported by its partner and co-shareholder Sem AVERGIES, launched the construction site in the first quarter of 2022. This was followed by the installation of photovoltaic panels on land and on the lake under the regular supervision, among others, of an ecologist. One year later, in full compliance with the planned ecological schedule, the plant was put into operation.

Green electricity that benefits everyone

The electricity produced by Amarenco’s plant is sold to ENEDIS (at a much lower cost than conventionally generated electricity) to be fully injected into the existing electrical grid, benefiting the greatest number without distinction. On the other hand, Longhi Béton is compensated in the form of rent for the use of its land, while a “local” tax is paid and distributed between the department, the commune, etc. It should be noted that the project did not receive any subsidies.

Lifespan of this plant and future?

Its longevity is estimated at 30 years. Afterwards, Amarenco has two options: either the plant will be part of a dismantling and recycling program through the eco-organization Soren (to which Amarenco is a member), which is approved by public authorities for the collection and treatment of used photovoltaic panels in France, or the plant will be upgraded by replacing its panels and electronics.

Key dates of the project

September 2016: Signing of the lease promise with Mr. Eric Longhi. The site where the plant will be located was then a quarry whose exploitation was partially finished, with part of the lake to the south still in operation. The site is classified as a favorable area for photovoltaics in the recently established PLUi of the commune.

February 2018: Amarenco starts studies and, after 18 months, submits the building permit application to the DDT 47.

May 2019: Approval of the building permit by the Prefecture and the Town Hall and submission of the file to the call for tenders organized by the CRE.

April 2020: Amarenco is a winner and works in partnership with Enedis to optimize connection costs to the electrical grid in rural areas. In parallel, Amarenco seeks to partner with a local actor and approaches Sem AVERGIES, represented by Mr. Pascal de Sermet, who becomes its partner and co-shareholder in this project.

January 2022: Finalization of the agreement for the construction of the plant, allowing Amarenco to start the work the same year.

April 2023: Commissioning of the site.

Key figures of the project

Investment amount: €5 million
Area occupied by solar panels: 5 hectares (out of 8), including 3 by floating panels.
Total power: 4.8 MWc (equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2,500 inhabitants per year*)
Power of PV panels: 445 W Panels: 10,764 panels installed
GHG emissions avoided by combustion per year: 250 tonnes of CO2 (equivalent to 1,300 one-way flights from Paris to New York (5,834 km).

*Excluding heating and hot water production.

Additional information in our press kit