The edges of roads, railways, large car parks and certain agricultural land will be able to accommodate solar energy projects, so that France can meet the increase in its electricity needs, announced the President of the Republic on Thursday.
The renewable energy acceleration bill which will be presented to the Council of Ministers on September 26 will include a land release component, Emmanuel Macron said Thursday during the inauguration of the first French offshore wind farm, off the coast of Saint Nazaire.
In the coming months and years, we will install more solar panels by identifying all the spaces that lend themselves to it, in the city, on the side of the roads, declared the president, also citing the large car parks where the installation of panels can generate additional income.
Referring to the decarbonisation of motorways, he considered that the edges of motorways and the sides of railways could also accommodate solar panels. has made it possible to protect the beauty of the landscapes, while developing renewables, he noted.
I also want us to be able to make progress on agrovoltaism – the installation of solar panels on agricultural land – which represents a very significant potential for additional income for farmers, he continued.
However, the President insisted on the need to provide safeguards to prevent electricity production from replacing fields, meadows and herds, ie food production.
We know it is doable and we have to go much faster, he said. To this end, the government must present an amendment to the bill before it goes to the Senate to draw the conclusions of the recent consultations held with the Council of French Agriculture and young farmers, indicated the President.
electricity, gas: reduce your bill with our online comparator
Emmanuel Macron traveled to Outarville in Loiret on September 9 for the annual meeting of the Congress of Young Farmers (JA) in Terres de Jim.
In Europe, our neighbors have gone much faster, especially in the north or in the south and all that is the edge of the Baltic Sea with a very strong strategy today and the south of Europe in terms of renewable energies, he noted to justify the acceleration of these energies in France, which must also relate to wind power at sea and on land.
The Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe) has identified a total of 843 industrial and urban wastelands likely to accommodate photovoltaic installations, indicates a recent circular, which AFP was able to consult. This was sent by the government to the prefects to organize load shedding in the event of a shortage of gas and electricity this winter and to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects.