Montpellier’s Métropole Plans Major Photovoltaic Equipment for Local Energy Production by 2030.

The Métropole de Montpellier relies on photovoltaics to reduce the energy consumption of buildings.
currently 30% of the energies used are renewable, only 4% are produced locally, mainly by wood-fired boilers.
The Métropole has set itself the objective of multiplying this local production by 3 by 2030 and is launching a major photovoltaic equipment plan.

The number one target: the roofs of buildings, houses, public buildings, businesses, with an objective 2,800 roofs equipped by 2026. ” with constraints of the weight of the panels and compliance with the architectural rules in force, in the protected sectors, explains Patrice Guionnet, Renewable Energy Project Manager at Montpellier Metropolis. The metropolis also wishes to equip car parks with photovoltaic shade structures.

A photovoltaic farm on the old Thôt landfill?

The most important project in terms of surface area is to install a photovoltaic farm on the site of the former Thôt waste landfill, between Lattes and Villeneuve-les-Maguelone, which was closed in 2008. ” as it is in the grip of the coastal law, discussions are underway with the prefect, but it would be an emblematic achievement, underlines Isabelle Touzard, the mayor of Murviel-lès-Montpellier and in charge of the ecological transition in the Métropole de Montpellier. It will also be necessary to carry out an impact study on the biodiversity of the site,

The challenge is also important for professionals in the renewable energy sector, gathered within Cemater, which brings together 80 companies in the Occitanie region. For the time beingless than 5% of solar panels are manufactured or assembled in Europe but Stephane Bozzarelli, the president of Cemater is pleased that “As part of the reindustrialisation of France, there are two or three projects for entire panel manufacturing plants, including one in Fos sur Mer, which could cover French needs.”