Dijon Métropole acquires a photovoltaic power plant to supply its hydrogen buses
More than 40,000 photovoltaic panels capable of producing 15.5 megawatts (MH) renewable energies, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of around 8,000 inhabitants. Built by EDF Renouvelables, the new photovoltaic power station, just emerging from the ground, is located in the old Dijon-Valmy technical landfill center, where rubble and construction site residues were already stored. ” This project is part of theEDF’s strong ambition to develop renewable energies. Within 20 years, EDF wants to quadruple its energy production from photovoltaic panels across the country. », Affirms Yves Chevillon, director of regional action at EDF Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
Innovative technical solutions
The Dijon-Valmy technical landfill center was closed and rehabilitated by the metropolis of Dijon during the summer of 2020. Innovative technical solutions were implemented on this project in order to adapt to the specificities of the land.
” The latter is coated with a protective layer in particular to prevent water infiltration which would pass through the waste and spread into the earth. It is an airtight layer that preserves the basement. All the subtlety of the operation was to install photovoltaic panels without perforating this envelope because normally we drive the photovoltaic panels using stakes in the ground for the anchors. This is one of the prowess of this project: all the photovoltaic panels are placed on the ground. Nothing punctures the drainage layer ”, explains Yves Chevillon.
Technical innovation was present throughout the duration of the site because even the site motors were designed not to scratch the sealing area. The site was also carried out with respect for biodiversity. ” We took into account the nesting periods so as not to disturb the birds », Specifies Yves Chevillon.
Fuel the buses with hydrogen
Initiated in 2017, this project marks the desire of Dijon metropolis to promote the development of renewable energies in its territory.
” We have already installed numerous photovoltaic panels on our infrastructures, such as the roofs of schools and other public. But, this is the first time that we have deployed a solar power plant of this size. », Confides Jean-Patrick Masson, vice-president of Dijon Métropole in charge of ecological transition.
A project that is part of the climate energy plan of Dijon metropolis which aims, by 2020, to achieve the objectives by the European Union, “3 times 20”: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 %; use 20% of renewable energies; reduce energy consumption by 20%.
” This carbon-free energy production will be used to fuel our hydrogen buses. Indeed, the construction of this plant is part of a policy and corresponds to our commitment to replace our fleet of vehicles overall over eight years, with green hydrogen. », Specifies Jean-Patrick Masson.
As a reminder, the manufacture of green hydrogen is done at from water and electricity. The electrolysis process produces hydrogen. In order for this hydrogen to be as carbon neutral as possible, the electricity required must come from renewable energies.
Involve the inhabitants
EDF Renouvelables does not often have the opportunity to build solar power plants so close to the city center. ” This is an opportunity for us to also give it an interesting educational dimension. It could become a place of explanation to bring in schoolchildren and explain how it works, or even vocations! “Enthuses Yves Chevillon.
The local population was also involved in the development of this solar power plant via a citizen crowdfunding campaign which raised nearly 200,000 euros.
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