Two EDF Renouvelables photovoltaic power plants at Courbessac aerodrome to ensure the development of the site

Nîmes elected officials Franck Proust, Julien Plantier and Pascale Venturini are delighted with the project led by EDF Renewables at the Courbessac aerodrome. Midi Libre – Loan Simonet

The Courbessac aerodrome, one of the oldest in France, is preparing to enter a new era. EDF Renewables has been chosen to install and produce electricity on the site using two photovoltaic power plants. Explanations.

Opened in 1909, Courbessac aerodrome is preparing to experience a new era under the management of SPL Agate, with its shareholders from the City of Nîmes and the Agglo Nîmes métropole. From 2027, work to install two EDF Renouvelables photovoltaic power plants will begin on 37.7 abandoned hectares of the site whose main activity remains aeronautics. “It will take a little over a year of construction”, said Sofiane Boukebbous, Director of Development for the South-East and Overseas Territories at EDF Renewables, on Friday, December 20.

In the “East” zone, photovoltaic panels will be installed on 22.2 ha for a power of 31 MWc, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 21,662 inhabitants. Other structures will be installed in the retention basin zone on 8.2 ha for a power of 14.3 MWc (electricity consumption of nearly 10,000 inhabitants). The aircraft shade will also provide energy. “This will correspond in total to the electricity consumption of 20% of the population of Nîmes”, added Sofiane Boukebbous, or a production of 68 GWh per year.

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Financing future developments

These power plants will represent €800,000 in local taxes per year for the City, the Agglo (these two communities share almost half of the sum) and for the Department. Although no amount on profitability has been given, as the situation may change by the time it is operational in 2028, the benefits will make it possible to finance the renovation of the runway, the creation of a restaurant and the construction of new hangars. The project includes the enhancement of the Courbessac menhir, soft mobility around the aerodrome and a landscaped belt.

The deputy mayor for the Environment and Ecological Transition, Pascale Venturini, stressed the importance of this project “to increase the share of renewable energy in Nîmes”. Franck Proust, president of Nîmes Métropole, appreciated the fact that the Agglo owns around ten hectares on the aerodrome, whose history includes ecological transition.

“We are working with SPL Agate on the profitability of the site for its possible development. After a call for expressions of interest in February, we were surprised by the number of candidates”, noted Julien Plantier, president of SPL Agate and first deputy mayor. Fourteen applications were heard. Julien Plantier also wanted to reassure the aerodrome stakeholders: “The ambition is not to the detriment of users.” For the latter and local residents, consultation will be required for this project which must guarantee secure electricity production for thirty years.

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