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55,780* inhabitants Supplied with electricity
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1,700* tons of CO2 Avoided annually
Technical data
- Site technologySolar
- Panel technologyGround-mounted solar
Project overview
Since 2018, Boralex has been developing the Mazagran solar farm project in the municipalities of Vins-sur-Caramy and Cabasse, at a location known as the “Domaine de Mazagran,” on a tire testing site formerly operated by Michelin. This solar farm will generate approximately 124 GWh per year, which will cover the annual carbon-free electricity needs of nearly 55,700 residents* (including heating).
Why this location ?
The location was not chosen at random. In fact, it offers numerous advantages for hosting a solar farm, making it unique in the Var department and the PACA region:
- A large anthropized site (already altered by humans)—a former tire testing facility operated by Michelin;
- Flat topography suitable for a solar farm, with no environmental zoning restrictions;
- No encroachment on agricultural land and a significant distance from the nearest residences;
- Not visible from major roads or surrounding villages: located on a “high plateau”;
- Existing, wide, paved access road providing easy access for construction companies and the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS).
Beyond renewable energy
A better control of fire risks thanks to the solar farm
In addition to generating local, carbon-free electricity, the development of the solar farm will help significantly reduce the risk of fire on the site. Currently, the site is covered by dense, unmaintained vegetation that is difficult to access. The creation and maintenance of new access roads will enable the SDIS (Departmental Fire and Rescue Service) to respond quickly should a fire break out.
Strips of cleared land (OLD) 100 meters wide will be established around the perimeter of the blocks in compliance with legal requirements for brush clearing (OLD); these will help limit the spread of fires and facilitate emergency response efforts. The 100-meter width of the OLDs was determined in consultation with SDIS 83 and is double the standard width (50 meters).
The OLDs will be laid out in a grid pattern to avoid clear-cutting, which will allow for more sustainable vegetation management while preserving the local ecosystem as much as possible and ensuring...
Solar panels and soil quality
The solar farm was designed to preserve soil quality and avoid disrupting the natural water cycle. The solar panels are mounted on the ground using lightweight structures that seal off only a tiny portion of the land (less than 1%).
This allows rainwater to continue to infiltrate naturally and replenish the aquifers without altering the flow of groundwater. In addition, a layer of vegetation will be maintained or enhanced across the entire site to disperse stormwater, limit soil erosion during heavy rains or strong winds, and reduce downstream water flow. Thanks to these measures, the project ensures minimal environmental impact while contributing to the energy transition.
Benefits to local residents
Boralex is working to make the solar farm benefits to local residents. Find out more below.
To enhance the value of the local historical heritage, Boralex plans to reopen the hiking trail linking the towns of Vins-sur-Caramy and Cabasse. Various equipments might be installed, such as street furnitures, educational panels on renewable energies, sports and health equipments.
During the construction phase in France, Boralex gives priority to local businesses in order to support economic development and employment in the local community and surrounding areas.
In addition, we are actively working to integrate integration clauses into our contracts in order to promote access to employment. These initiatives will also help in training local talent towards positions in the energy transition sector, reinforcing the positive and lasting impact of this project on the local area.
In addition to our actions to promote employment and local economy, Boralex is committed to support local associations. Each year, a donation and sponsorship initiative help finance local associations' projects near our operating sites. Through this we aim to play an active part in the region's vitality.
As part of the solar project, Boralex is planning to offer local residents an opportunity to invest in the project and thus to participate actively in the energy transition in their area.
A question on the project ?
Contact our team : mazagran@boralex.com
