France: Meriaura-Serres Vermeil contract for solar power plant

Meriaura Energy will build a solar thermal power plant for Serres Vermeil in France, aiming to decarbonize greenhouse operations.

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Meriaura centrale solaire Serres Vermeil

Meriaura Energy Ltd has formalized its contract with Les Serres Vermeil SARL, an organic vegetable grower located in Palau-del-Vidre, Pyrénées-Orientales, for the installation of a solar thermal power plant. The project, valued at around 1.7 million euros, includes the installation of a 5,800 m2 solar field to supply the company’s greenhouses.

Environmental commitment

“Serres Vermeil will use the solar thermal plant to decarbonize its greenhouse operations,” said Kirsi Suopelto, CEO of the Meriaura Group. The project is being developed in collaboration with Eiffage Énergie Systèmes – Cogénération SAS, part of the Eiffage Group. This cooperation underscores the importance of cross-sector synergies in moving towards innovative and efficient energy solutions.

Leadership vision

“I congratulate Mr. Franck Vila, CEO and owner of Serres Vermeil, for his commitment to investing in the solar thermal plant and for entrusting Meriaura Energy with the role of solar thermal expert,” expressed Kirsi Suopelto. This project is a significant achievement for Meriaura in the French market, and represents a first foray into the greenhouse customer segment, opening up new opportunities.

Future impacts and the market

Implementation of the plant is scheduled to start in 2024, with completion in early 2025. “Our collaboration with Serres Vermeil and Eiffage Energie Systèmes marks a significant achievement in our journey to advance large-scale thermal technology initiatives in the French market,” added Suopelto.

For example, the Palau-del-Vidre solar thermal power plant project illustrates how green technologies can be effectively integrated into farming practices, aiming to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining productivity.

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