Overview
Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine is a 1.59 MW solar PV facility in France. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the commune of Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine in the Vendée department of western France. With a capacity of 1.59 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 low-carbon energy sources. The plant operates under France's national 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 tenders for small to medium-scale projects. The 1.59 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category, typical for ground-mounted or rooftop solar arrays in rural areas. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. Solar PV has minimal operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The plant supports local energy independence and aligns with France's goal to increase solar capacity as part of its national energy strategy.
Environmental context
The solar PV plant in Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine is situated in a rural agricultural region of Vendée. Solar installations in such areas can affect land use and local ecosystems, but they also provide clean energy without air or water pollution. The facility's small footprint minimizes habitat disruption, and its operation supports France's renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Frequently asked questions
The Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine solar PV plant is located in the commune of Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine, in the Vendée department of western France.
The Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine solar plant has a capacity of 1.59 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels.
France aims to reach 42.5% renewable energy by 2030 under the EU Renewable Energy Directive III. Small solar PV plants like Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine contribute to this target by adding distributed clean energy capacity.
Solar PV plants produce electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also have low water consumption and minimal air pollution, supporting climate and environmental goals.