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After disputes over wind turbines, 44,000 photovoltaic panels are now at the heart of tensions in the Lot.
It is a still virgin site in the heart of the Causses du Quercy regional natural park (Lot). The land is dry and arid, but very sunny and could soon look like a huge meadow covered with tens of thousands of solar panels like in Charente. The project covers three areas for a total area of 19 hectares, the equivalent of 26 football pitches. A prospect that does not delight some tourism professionals. “Look around you, it’s 100% nature, it’s a place that is known for its outdoor activities (…), it’s completely absurd”declares Antoine Drion, member of the environmental association Lot Célé.
2500 trees will be felled
The photovoltaic park will not be visible from the famous village, but it shares the inhabitants. “Me, I like to walk in the woods and there, it’s going to be ugly”laments a resident. “Nobody wants them at home, nobody wants wind turbines, nobody wants that but everyone wants to stop oil. There is a moment, you have to imagine that you have to make some sacrifices”, denounce a man. According to the town hall, nearly 2,500 conifers will be sacrificed but in return, the park will supply nearly 7,300 homes with electricity.