Lesport
Lesport : The first agrivoltaic plant on the island of Mayotte
The Lesport agrivoltaic plant became operational in early 2024. A pioneer on this Indian Ocean island, it is the first site to combine solar production and agriculture.
It comprises four greenhouses:
- 2 greenhouses devoted to the production of bananas for school canteens,
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1 greenhouse for the experimental production of various exotic fruits such as sugar apples, pitayas, papayas, figs, etc.
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1 greenhouse devoted to the production of organic market gardening crops.
A multipurpose agricultural project
The agricultural project aims to protect harvests from the vagaries of the weather, as Mayotte is located in the tropics, a region that sees powerful cyclones. The plant’s structures provide protection against these violent events and are thus a tool for safeguarding local agricultural production. The anti-insect netting incorporated within the structures also guarantees protection from destructive pests. Lastly, a rainwater recovery system protects the installations, enabling excess water to be collected before it is stored and redistributed at the most appropriate time.
Pierre Baubet : a committed farmer
Pierre Baubet, a Mayotte farmer, President of the island’s fishermen’s cooperative (Copemay) and manager of the Avima-Ovoma egg production company, firmly believes in the need to produce locally on Mayotte. Attracted by Akuo’s vision of agrivoltaics, he enthusiastically threw himself into this project.
In December 2024, the plant withstood tropical cyclone Chido’s gusts of over 200 kph (125 mph), thus preserving the crops from one of the most significant weather events Mayotte has ever experienced. The Lesport plant is thus contributing both to the island’s energy independence and to its food security.
