Finistère: will cows soon be grazing “greener” grass under photovoltaic panels in Ploneour-Lanvern?

The Urbasolar company, based in Montpellier (Hérault), builds and operates photovoltaic power plants. Since its creation in 2006, it has already launched 89. But it will move away a little from these roots with its agrivoltaic project in Ploneour-Lanvern (Finistère), the inauguration of which is planned for 2026. “This process consists of combine a high-altitude solar power plant project with a farmer who owns fields with lower agricultural potential, used for example for grazing for cattle,” explains Naël Ismaïl, development project manager at Urbasolar.

The company was contacted in 2022 by a Breton farmer who had been grazing cattle in permanent meadows for a long time and was very interested in the production of solar energy as a complement. “Studies have shown that there have been repeated problems in Brittany for years due to extreme heat. The provision of agrivoltaic-type solar panels provides protection against climatic hazards, while contributing to animal welfare,” adds the project manager.

Studies were carried out until March 2023 on the feasibility of the project in the field with a total area of ​​8 ha, the panels being concentrated on 2. If 20 cows already live there, a few and three calves will be able to join them after this expansion. “We sized the entire installation according to the size and nature of the livestock, without forgetting the operating equipment,” explains Naël Ismaïl. “The panels will be 2.44m high, with each row of modules spaced 7.5m apart. Cattle are curious animals and adapt quickly. Additionally, the installation will limit animal sweating and keep the grass greener due to shading. »

Producing electricity for around 2,860 people for 30 years

A building permit will be submitted at the end of November. Then, there will be an investigation by the DDTM, then a public inquiry. The permit could thus be approved at the end of 2025. “We have carried out an impact study on different themes, particularly environmental and ecological. For landscape integration, we have planned hedges, some of which already exist,” insists the project manager.

The company estimates that it can produce 6,169 MWh, or the consumption of around 2,860 people. A production which will benefit the surrounding municipalities, assures the project manager: “This electricity will be reinjected into the intermunicipal public network, after having been sold following a ministerial call for tenders to EDF OA. » If the project is successful, Urbasolar could also reproduce the model on other sites.