February 8 and 9, 2024 saw the kick-off of the Fil'R SUN project on one of EDF Hydro Sud-Ouest's hydroelectric schemes in Haute-Garonne. This milestone marks the launch of the 1MWp* industrial pilot of photovoltaic panels suspended above the scheme's canal. Let's get on with this three-year project supported by European Life funding!
All the parties involved in the project were present, providing an excellent opportunity to lay the foundations for a solid and effective collaboration.
The two-day program
Presentation of LIFE funding requirements by ELMEN, representing Europe.
Meeting between the various players involved in the project: the partners Photowatt and Mécamont and also the EDF entities involved in the project, such as the central functions of EDF Hydro, the EDF Hydro Sud-Ouest production unit, the hydraulic engineering center, the entity responsible for EDF's land holdings and relations with the Administration, R&D and the Pulse innovation and programs department (Pulse design).
Project organization: roles and responsibilities.
Technical discussions and visit to the pilot site.
Visit along the intake canal of the EDF Hydro Sud-Ouest hydroelectric scheme, future site of the pilot plant.
These 2 days mark the start of a new phase in the project, that of scaling up the Fil'R SUN concept to industrial scale. EDF Hydro Sud-Ouest is pleased and proud to be able to host this promising project on its hydroelectric land. The challenge is motivating and the enthusiasm of the project team is palpable. Reinforcements have arrived to work on design and R&D. So, it's off to a flying start for the design and development process. The project will last 3 years, until early 2027.
This Kick-off meeting is the beginning of the industrialization of the innovative Fil'R SUN technology, developed by our employees 5 years ago, and brought to life with the help of EDF Hydro Sud-Ouest and our loyal partners Mécamont and Photowatt, who believed in it from the start. This is a perfect example of a project developed through Open Innovation from start to finish, 100% French, and crowned by European funding, without which the industrial pilot would not be possible. The aim is to deploy this technology on a large scale in the future.
The origins of the Fil'R SUN project...
A trip to Venice, linen hanging over the canals... that's how the idea of "Fil'R SUN" was born, brought straight from the City of the Doges by a colleague from EDF's hydraulic engineering center. Since 2020, the idea has come a long way, and many people believe in it:
- prototype construction above the canal in 2021;
- application for European funding granted in 2023;
- continuation of the project for commissioning and operation of an industrial pilot in early 2024.
To be continued...