Corsica Sole is developing a 4 MWp solar power plant project in Rivière-Salée, Martinique.

Following the latest call for tenders from the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), Corsica Sole, a specialist in solar energy on islands, will build a 4 MWp photovoltaic power plant in the municipality of Rivière-Salée, equivalent to the annual green electricity consumption of more than 3,000 inhabitants (i.e., the town of Anses-d’Arlet, for example).

Heavily dependent on fossil fuels, the island of Martinique has a greenhouse gas emission rate significantly higher than other French territories. Saving 220 tons of CO2 per year, this plant therefore contributes to Martinique’s energy policy (PPE) objectives, which aim to increase the share of renewable energies in the island’s energy mix.

Located in the most degraded and isolated area of a former quarry, the plant will help to restore land that has been degraded and is no longer suitable for agriculture. This project will also provide an opportunity to introduce grazing, as this will enable natural and ecological maintenance of the plant: thus, there will be no conflict over land use, but rather restoration for a greener and cleaner island!

A leader in Corsica, present in Martinique for more than two years, but also in Réunion, French Guiana, and mainland France, Corsica Sole is a key player in solar energy on islands. These Non-Interconnected Areas (NIAs) share the common characteristic of not being connected to a large external grid that can guarantee their electricity needs. ” The current COVID-19 crisis, emphasizes Michael Coudyser, CEO of Corsica Sole, reminds us how essential it is for overseas territories to focus on renewable energies. In this regard, photovoltaics is a proven ecological solution that has also become economically competitive today. Islands are part of our DNA because solar energy is the cornerstone of their energy independence.”

That is why Corsica Sole has designed solutions tailored to their specific needs, particularly in terms of electricity storage. In Martinique, it will soon commission a dozen agricultural sheds with photovoltaic roofs. Specially designed to withstand the cyclonic and seismic constraints of the Caribbean, these solutions have already proven their worth for more than 10 years in Corsica. Corsica Sole is thus confirming its breakthrough on the island by winning 25% of the winning projects in the call for tenders (4 MW out of a total of 15 MWp awarded).