Larzac plateau: despite oppositions the giant photovoltaic project is relaunched

It was to cover up to 400 hectares of causses [1] on the legendary Larzac plateau.However, faced with oppositions and disputes, the giant photovoltaic project carried by Arkolia Energies had been abandoned 2 years ago.But now its promoter is relaunching, in the same place a new project, smaller, coupled with a green hydrogen production plant.

Do the leaders of Arkolia Energies have short memory or simply suicide bomber?It is that the Larzac plateau has a whole story, made of struggles and demonstrations.The powerful French army has even broken their teeth.In 1971, a movement of non -violent civil disobedience stood against the extension of a military camp on the Causse.Organized first around local peasants who rose against the expropriation of their land, the struggle was then amplified for a whole decade, federating opponents of all stripes ranging from workers' unions to students, hippies, pacifists, environmentalists and feminists.Some summers, the demonstrations, which took the appearance of outdoor festivals, brought together more than 100.000 people ... Until the abandonment of the project by François Mitterrand in 1981, shortly after coming to power.

A giant solar power plant in the Larzac

When in 2019, Arkolia made known her intention to build and exploit a giant solar power plant on the Larzac, the reactions were not long in coming.

Called "Solarzac", the initial project had to set up in the field of Calmels, a private and fenced hunt that extends over almost 1.000 hectares.A photovoltaic power plant - 180 MW or 320 MW depending on the scenarios - backed by methane production made from green hydrogen, was projected there.The 30.000 planned photovoltaic panels had to cover up to 400 hectares."We don't have enough roofs to install panels, or industrial wasteland, or land that do not have an agricultural vocation.We will have to do this type of project whether here or elsewhere.We do not make a nuclear power plant, we make a system of beaten piles on which we put panels which are completely removable and recyclable in 10, 15, 20 or 30 years, "explained Laurent Bonhomme, CEO of Arkolia Energie on FranceInter, justifying the large size of the project by the need to produce cheap green electricity thanks to economies of scale.

Pause

Not enough to convince opponents.Grouped within the association "Terres de Larzac, land of biodiversity, land of peasants", they from the start denounced the project gigantism.Despite the promises, they feared the worst for the typical Causse environment and biodiversity at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Zone and surrounded by four Natura 2000 sites.

After the consultation which took place in May 2019, the protests against Solarzac amplified, members of the peasant confederation going as far as the occupation of the premises of Arkolia.A petition was even launched on Avaaz to prevent the construction of the park.To the point that the promoter finally announced a break in pursuing the project.

New scenario

The protesters undoubtedly hoped for this definitive.But, after more than two years during which the company was forgotten, it returned a few days ago with a new scenario for Solerzac."We have planned two major changes: the establishment of photovoltaic panels reduced to 200 hectares and the abandonment of the methanisation plant for the benefit of an innovative green hydrogen production project" explained this November 4 in front of the press,Mickaël Scudeller, Development Manager at Arkolia.

The newly redefined park should display a power of 150 to 200 MW and include an agrivoltaic component.The remaining 800 hectares in Calmels could be converted into agricultural and collective areas specifies the promoter's press release.The company announces the holding of public meetings which will relate to four main themes, namely the establishment of panels, the transmission of ownership to communities and public uses, the installation of a sustainable agro -pastoral and agricultural activity and the methods of'A combined production of electricity and green hydrogen.Arkolia Energies hopes to be able to put Solarzac in service by 2026.The investment amounts to around 150 million euros and will be fully supported by the company.

Will the adaptations announced be likely to calm the ardor of the opponents?We should know it soon.

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[1] Causse: vast and high limestone plateau in the center and southwest of France, arid and dug with deep valleys, offering meager sheep pastures.