Linear solar energy, a path to the future
Although the photovoltaic sector is faced with the rarefaction of available land surfaces, it nonetheless remains essential to reach the goals set by the French government regarding energy transition.
Linear photovoltaics solves this problem. It allows using long and narrow plots dedicated to other uses: dikes, cycle tracks, canals, railway embankments, roads and highways, etc. while preserving natural spaces. Thus, the initial utilisation is retained with electricity production representing an additional advantage.
A source for generating 40 gigawatts-peak (GWp) has been estimated in France on linear plots that have already been artificialized (roads, cycle tracks, canals, dikes, etc.). With the OPHELIA (French acronym for “Large Linear Photovoltaic Canopies”) project, CNR (coordinator), and its partners (Nexans, Schneider Electric, SNCF, and SuperGrid Institute) are testing a direct current architecture to open the way for developing projects over long distances.
An experimental solar power installation
- Name of PV installation: ViaSolaire of Colombier
- Place: ViaRhona at Caderousse (Vaucluse)
- Length: 800 m
- Power: 1 MWp
- Voltage of internal network: 10,000 Vdc
PV installation PV: 6 canopy structures 110m long
Construction of the “ViaSolaire du Colombier” park Durée : 3:25 min
An innovative electric architecture
The aim of this R&D project consists in reducing electricity losses linked to long distance electricity transport. The partners have developed an electric architecture and all the equipment required to transport medium voltage direct current electricity up to the point of delivery on the distribution network.
Key steps
- 2019-2022 – Preliminary studies
- 2022-2025 – Engineering and R&D studies
- 2025-2028 – Construction of the demonstrator and experiments
The partners
The OPHELIA project is funded by the government in the framework of the “France 2030” plan supervised by ADEME.
Rencontre avec les partenaires OPHELIA Durée : 1:33 min