| Gabardan Solar Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country | France |
| Location | Landes |
| Coordinates | 44°02′42″N 00°01′36″W / 44.04500°N 0.02667°W |
| Commission date | 2009-2011 |
| Owner | EDF Énergies Nouvelles |
| Solar farm | |
| Type | Flat-panel PV |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 67.2 MW[1] |
Introduction
editThe Gabardan Solar Park is a 67.2 megawatt (MW)[2] photovoltaic power station and the third most powerful in France after the Toul-Rosières and Colle des Mées Solar Parks[3]. It is located in the north-eastern area of the department of the Landes.
Presentation
editDeveloped and built by EDF EN (Électricité de France Energies Nouvelles) in several stages, the plant was put into operation progressively from June 2010 to September 2011 and inaugurated on October 4, 2011. It has about 872,300 fixed thin-film panels[4] representing 741 ac[5] (300 ha) for a total of 783 ac[5] (317 ha) on the ground. The installation of the solar park was entrusted to ABC Construction.
Technology
editPhotovoltaic solar modules are manufactured by the US company First Solar. They are designed on the basis of a new generation technology, called a "thin film" based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), alternative to traditional silicon-based modules. The unit power modules is 77 W (yield equal to 11%) and area of about one meter by one meter.
Pilot Project
editThe solar power plant includes 2 MWp for a pilot project using 11,100 panels "Nanosolar" adjustable[4] fixed on trackers built by the company Exosun Gironde. This first phase was inaugurated July 8, 2010[6]. This pilot project has received the financial support of the Aquitaine regional council, the Environment Agency and Energy Management (ADEME) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Key Figures
editSustainable Development
editAccording to the Brundtland Report (1987), "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". It is divided into three major areas (called "pillars"): economy, environment and social[9].
Economy
editThe objective of this project is to revitalize a sector around the photovoltaic plant while supporting the implementation of economic activities dedicated to renewable energy. Attention is paid to wood which is the oldest form of energy used in the Landes and still actively participates in the local economy. If the project is successful, the Community of Municipalities of Gabardan (CGC) will consider the creation of a business incubator (and / or workshop). This central permits the creation of jobs. In fact, the project was supported by EDF[10] Losse in France on behalf of "SAS photovoltaic plants Gabardan" where ~ $ 280 million[11] (€ 250 million) were invested. Also, being one of the largest solar farms, it has participated in attracting and developing tourism in the region.
Environment
editThis plant is used to create renewable energy and reduce the use of energies that polluted such as nuclear power and oil. However, this energy has limitations because photovoltaic panels can’t yet be recycled and the CO2 levels due to deforestation can not be recuperated.
Social
editThis plant produces 100 million kWh/year which is the domestic electricity consumption for about 33,000 households, excluding heat.
Impacts
editPhysical Impact
editThe physical impact will be linked to clearing the entire plot which could lead to a rise in the water table (especially in winter). The site will also result in temporary impacts such as local pollution risks related to the presence of construction equipment. Corrective measures will be implemented, an environmental specification will be written and monitoring water quality and soil will be performed twice a year over the life of the project[10].
Nature Impact
editThe nature impact will be marked by clear cutting (sensitive areas will be avoided). Monitoring of groundwater levels will ensure that existing ponds will not suffer any negative impact. Additional ponds will be constructed in open areas surrounding the modules to promote flora and fauna species. When the photovoltaic plant is completed, there may possibly be new habitats available to local flora and fauna[10].
Human Impact
editThe photovoltaic plant is ~ 2461 ft[12] (750 m) away homes and is not noisy. Photovoltaic panels capture light and reflect little so glare is reduced. The project will create local jobs for the construction, maintenance and servicing of the plant. The project will have a positive environmental side, more than 400 000 tons of CO2 will be saved[10].
Notes and references
edit- ^ Solar Energy Review at 31 December 2011
- ^ Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plants
- ^ List of the principals photovoltaic power stations (french wikipedia page)
- ^ a b EDF Energies Nouvelles commissions 67.2MW plant in France utilizing First Solar panels
- ^ a b Hectare (wikipedia page)
- ^ Article of the Journal "Sud Ouest"
- ^ a b EDF Energies Nouvelles put into service the Gabardan Solar Park
- ^ Average mean power flux density of the year : P = average energy output in the year/(365*24*Total area covered by the Central)
- ^ Sustainable Development (french wikipedia page)
- ^ a b c d ABIES Report
- ^ BCE EUR/USD Exchange Rate at May 5, 2015 - 08:29PM
- ^ Foot, the unit (wikipedia page)
Special thanks to Google Translate.
See also
editExternal Links
edit- Toul-Rosières Solar Park
- Photovoltaics
- Sustainable development
- Photovoltaic power stations
- List of largest power stations in the world
- List of photovoltaic power stations
Category:Photovoltaic power stations in France
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