Sun’R expands into hydroelectricity

Sun'R, a French specialist in renewable energies, is continuing its development in the hydroelectric sector with the acquisition of the Grépiac hydroelectric plant in the Haute-Garonne region. This operation allows Sun'R and the Eiffage Group to operate a fleet of 15 plants with a combined production capacity of 40 GWh.

Partagez:

Sun’R officially announces the acquisition of the Grépiac hydroelectric plant, located in the Haute-Garonne department. This operation allows Sun’R and the Eiffage Group to own a fleet of 15 plants with a combined production capacity of 40 GWh.

The announcement of this acquisition was made in December 2022, as part of the merger between Eiffage and Sun’R. The objective was to create new synergies in favor of the environment and to make Sun’R the group’s renewable energy development platform.

A new entity for hydroelectricity at Sun’R: Sun’Hydro

With the acquisition of the Grépiac power plant, Sun’R officially launches its hydroelectric energy production activity through a dedicated entity: Sun’Hydro. This plant complements the existing network of 14 other Sun’Hydro plants, which was established as part of its initial development within Eiffage. With these 15 plants in the southwest and the Rhône-Alpes region, Sun’Hydro is initiating a strategy of acquiring and modernizing small and medium-sized infrastructures, taking into account the new climatic challenges and the need for rational long-term water management.

Built in 1986 on the Ariège River, the Grépiac power plant was completely renovated in 2022, doubling its annual production to 6 GWh, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 1,000 inhabitants. This production corresponds to the total population of the city of Grepiac. The power plant has two latest generation DIVE units, with a nominal head of 3.77 m and an equipment flow rate of 44 m3/s. Maintenance of the installation will be carried out by Eiffage Energie Systèmes’ teams.

Sun’R continues its green commitment

In 2022, the French group Sun’R was integrated into the Eiffage Group and became its platform for the development of renewable energies such as photovoltaic, agrivoltaic, hydroelectric and green energy supply. Sun’R was created in 2007 to contribute to the ecological transition by specializing in renewable energies and works on the entire value creation chain of these energies.

Its subsidiary Sun’R Power has a solar park of 100 MWp in operation and another 700 in development, thanks to the group’s historical expertise in photovoltaic engineering. Sun’Hydro is another subsidiary specializing in hydroelectric production. By the end of 2023, this subsidiary will have a production capacity of nearly 40 GWh (17 GWh in 2022) through the management of 15 power plants. Finally, Sun’Agri, a pioneer in agrivoltaics, designs and implements intelligent solutions for adapting agriculture to climate change, with 220 hectares protected or under study, equivalent to an output of approximately 150 MWp.

 

Port-au-Prince is without electricity after residents of Mirebalais forcibly shut down a hydroelectric plant protesting government inaction amid escalating gang-related violence.
Globeleq acquires a majority stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, marking its entry into the Zambian energy market with two hydropower plants and a solar project.
The Asian Development Bank provides nearly a million dollars for improving Kyrgyzstan's energy system and considers an additional $150 million for the strategic Kambarata-1 hydroelectric dam.
Ukraine’s national operator Ukrhydroenergo announces an ambitious two-phase reconstruction plan to swiftly restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, destroyed during the conflict, at an estimated cost of up to one billion dollars.
Swedish energy developer Minesto confirmed a 25% increase in output from its Dragon 12 tidal system, marking a key step towards commercial deployment in the Faroe Islands.
Axpo will start major works in May around its Beznau hydropower plant to meet the requirements of its new operating permit valid until 2052, including the creation of new ecological habitats.
Norwegian group Orkla announces the sale of its hydropower portfolio through two separate transactions, valuing the assets at NOK 6.1 billion. A strategic decision aimed at streamlining operations and refocusing priorities.
Eastern Kazakhstan plans to construct five hydropower plants with a total capacity of 74.3 MW, consolidating its position as a national leader in hydropower despite challenges related to land allocation.
Adani Group, a leader in renewable energy, plans to develop 10 GW of hydroelectric capacity in several Asian and African countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, and Vietnam, to strengthen its green portfolio and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The international technology group ANDRITZ has been selected to upgrade one of the units of Norway's largest run-of-river hydropower plant, Vamma, increasing its capacity by 22% while improving its energy efficiency.
Eco Wave Power and Lian Tat Sign a Historic Agreement to Develop the First Onshore Marine Energy Installation in Asia, Starting with a 100KW Pilot Project in Taiwan.
Uganda is undertaking the construction of three hydropower plants on the Nile to add 1,632 MW to its electricity capacity while exploring nuclear initiatives to diversify its energy mix in response to growing demand.
EDF and the Groupement d’intérêt public pour la réhabilitation de l’étang de Berre have reached an agreement to optimize the management of freshwater discharges into this Mediterranean lagoon, reducing the risks of suffocation for local fauna and flora.
Uganda boosts its energy capacity with the opening of the Karuma hydropower plant, financed by China to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars, marking a new stage in Sino-Ugandan cooperation.
Plastic waste accumulating in the turbines of the Ruzizi hydroelectric power station has forced us to cut electricity production by half for South Kivu and neighboring regions.
Tajikistan is imposing electricity restrictions due to dwindling water reserves, disrupting its hydroelectric plants and raising concerns about the country's ability to meet energy demand.
Greece and Cyprus are moving ahead with the Great Sea Interconnector project, aimed at linking Cyprus to mainland Europe via a 1,240 km undersea cable, a key element in the energy integration of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Los Lagos hydroelectric project in Chile is the subject of discussions between Statkraft and local indigenous groups, amid concerns about the project's social and environmental impact.
The controlled opening of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon is causing concern in Nigeria, although hydrological authorities in both countries are tempering the risk of major flooding.
The Scanlon and Blanchard dam modernization projects in Minnesota illustrate a key initiative to strengthen energy infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at improving the resilience and efficiency of hydroelectric facilities in the face of growing climate challenges.