Overview
Cournon-d'Auvergne is a 1.72 MW solar PV facility located in France. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Cournon-d'Auvergne is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the commune of Cournon-d'Auvergne, France. With a capacity of 1.72 MW, it is a small-scale solar installation that feeds renewable electricity into the French grid. The facility is operational and supports France's transition to cleaner energy sources. The plant operates under France's regulatory framework, which aligns with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. France supports solar PV through feed-in tariffs and grid connection mechanisms, encouraging distributed generation. The 1.72 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category, typical for ground-mounted or rooftop solar arrays in the region. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV has minimal operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The plant's location in central France benefits from moderate solar irradiance, supporting its role in the local energy mix and grid stability.
Environmental context
The facility is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, an area with a mix of agricultural and urban landscapes. Solar PV installations like this one have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no air or water emissions. However, land use for solar arrays can compete with agriculture or natural habitats. The region's moderate solar resource means the plant operates efficiently without requiring extensive land clearing, balancing energy production with local environmental considerations.
Frequently asked questions
The Cournon-d'Auvergne solar PV facility is located in the commune of Cournon-d'Auvergne, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France.
The Cournon-d'Auvergne solar plant has a capacity of 1.72 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic installation.
The plant generates clean electricity, supporting France's target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030 under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III. It benefits from France's feed-in tariff scheme for solar PV.
Solar PV in France is regulated under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III and national policies, including feed-in tariffs, grid connection rules, and the national energy transition law (Loi de transition énergétique).
Solar PV facilities produce electricity with zero operational emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They have low water usage and minimal air pollution, though land use and visual impact are considerations.