The Saint-Maurice-La-Clouère quarry near Poitiers has become the second largest floating photovoltaic power station in France.
A total of 8,330 floating solar panels have been installed on 4.5 hectares of redeveloped water at the limestone quarry. The power they generate will cover the electricity needs of 2,000 inhabitants.
The floating power station could be 10% more efficient than a conventional photovoltaic power station because, in hot weather, the water that evaporates cools the solar panels, which improves their production.
The Saint-Maurice-La-Clouère site is operated by GSM Granulats, part of the HeidelbergCement Group. It has a maximum capacity of 500,000 tonnes and produces quality limestone used in the preparation of concrete.
The floating photovoltaic power station will be inaugurated and commissioned at the end of September.
