Saint Martin de la Mer
A project combining renewable energy and sheep farming
The Saint Martin de la Mer solar plant is located on permanent and temporary pastures to the west of the village, in the hamlet of Conforgien.
The project covers a total area of 16.5 hectares (40 acres), part of which will be devoted to the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Sheep rearing is planned on the site, with the installation of a young farmer from this municipality. The agrivoltaic project will help him set up this activity thanks to the plots of land provided for free and the supplying of sheep-restraining and water-access solutions. Beehives will also be installed on the site by a beekeeper from the region. A second installation project (laying hens and market gardening) is also being looked into.
The project as a whole will enable the preservation of a local farming activity while making the most of the advantages offered by the presence of solar panels, notably in terms of animal welfare.
Our CSR commitments
Preservation of sustainable agriculture
Preservation of a significant long-term farming activity through the provision of plots of land for a period of 30 years.
Monitoring of the farming project throughout its life cycle by a specific agricultural team. The project allows for investments notably including a water supply system and restraint tools and troughs for the sheep rearing.
Local support
A response to local farming issues: setting-up of a young farmer and protection against wolves.
Climate resilience
Physical protection from climate variations for the animals, reduction in the meadows’ water stress.
Several recent scientific studies (France, United States, Brazil) have shown that the shade provided by solar panels helps grass grow better in the summer and enables animals to protect themselves from intense heat and thus reduce their body temperature.
Agronomic monitoring will be put in place once the solar plant becomes operational to study the evolution of the grass growth under the panels and compare it with a control area.
Preservation of natural environments
Circumvention of wetland on the site, preservation of fields and hedgerows.
