Overview
Saint-Symphorien is a 24 MW solar PV facility in France, operational and contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Saint-Symphorien is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in France, with a capacity of 23.98 MW. The facility is operational and plays a role in the country's transition to renewable energy, aligning with national targets set by the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, which aims for 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The plant utilizes solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity. With a capacity of approximately 24 MW, it falls into the medium-scale category for solar farms in France. The facility operates under France's regulatory framework, which includes feed-in tariffs and grid connection policies that support solar energy deployment. Environmentally, the Saint-Symphorien solar PV plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation. It also supports local energy independence and grid stability. The facility's location in southwestern France benefits from favorable solar irradiation, enhancing its energy production efficiency.
Environmental context
The Saint-Symphorien solar PV plant is situated in southwestern France, an area with moderate solar irradiation suitable for photovoltaic generation. The facility occupies land that may have previously been used for agriculture or other purposes, raising considerations about land-use change. Solar farms can impact local ecosystems, but proper siting and management can minimize effects on biodiversity. The plant contributes to France's renewable energy goals and helps reduce reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels.
Frequently asked questions
The Saint-Symphorien solar PV plant is located in France, at coordinates 44.4609° N, -0.0565° E, near the commune of Saint-Symphorien in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
The Saint-Symphorien solar PV plant has a capacity of 23.98 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar facility in France.
The plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity, with no moving parts and low maintenance requirements.
France supports solar energy through feed-in tariffs and grid access policies, aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III which targets 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The Saint-Symphorien plant contributes to these national and EU goals.
The plant generates electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions, displacing fossil fuel-based power. It also reduces air pollution and water usage compared to conventional power plants, supporting France's climate commitments.