Présentation :

A landmark hybrid solar project brings floating and ground-mounted technology together in southwestern France.

Quarry ponds are becoming strategic sites for expanding floating solar. They represent a broader push to put panels on water instead of competing for farmland or open land. Floating solar projects benefit from natural cooling as the panels sit directly on the water, in turn improving energy efficiency compared to ground-mounted systems.

One such plant, Saint-Élix-le-Château hybrid solar power plant, is now fully operational. The site marks the successful completion of a landmark renewable energy project in southwestern France. Delivered by Omexom, the facility combines floating and ground-mounted photovoltaic technologies to maximize the potential of a former alluvial quarry site.

The project represents developer Solveo Energies’ first hybrid solar/floating power plant. The plant consists of a floating 10 MWp PV system on the quarry lake along with a ground-mounted 5 MWp PV installation. The dual-technology approach optimizes the use of the site, while preserving agricultural and natural areas and supporting the region’s clean energy goals. In total, 23,952 solar modules cover 64,700 square meters, forming a high-performance solar asset capable of providing clean energy for decades to come.

Given the sensitive water-based environment, particular attention was given to the floating portion of the plant. 2,500 floating platform pallets needed to be installed, alongside specialized anchoring systems, and the integration of equipment. The entire process, civil works, electrical installations through to testing and commissioning, was carefully coordinated and rigorously carried out. The construction phase truly collaborative in nature, brought together numerous Omexom teams and partners.

  • Aerial view of technicians working on a floating walkway between solar panel rows at the Saint-Élix-le-Château plant.
  • View through trees of the floating walkway connecting solar panel rows at the Saint-Élix-le-Château floating photovoltaic plant.
  • Aerial view of the floating solar array at the Saint-Élix-le-Château hybrid solar power plant, covering a turquoise quarry lake surrounded by farmland in southwestern France.
  • Aerial view of curved floating walkways leading to the solar panel array at the Saint-Élix-le-Château hybrid solar plant on a former quarry lake.
  • Aerial close-up of floating solar panel rows and electrical cabling at the Saint-Élix-le-Château hybrid solar power plant.
  • Aerial view of the full floating solar array and access platform at the Saint-Élix-le-Château hybrid solar power plant in southwestern France.

The project’s technical scope included the installation of 38 inverters, 998 strings, 144 ground-mounted structures, and more than 8,300 meters of AC cabling. The ground-mounted section comprises 6,384 modules, 10 inverters, and 266 strings, while the floating installation includes 17,568 modules, 28 inverters, and 732 strings. Together forming a robust and efficient solar power plant system.

When fully operational, the Saint-Élix-le-Château plant will produce approximately 18,325 MWh of electricity per year, equivalent to about 4,462 households’ yearly consumption. Aside from providing clean energy, this installation will reduce emissions of CO₂ by 4,604 tons per year, contributing to France’s energy transition objectives.

Through projects like this, Omexom continues to support the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and helping accelerate the energy transition.

Share :

Latest news