After strong opposition in 2019, the Solarzac project, north of the Hérault, now enters in consultation phase. Arkolia Energies, specializing in the production and sale of electricity, wishes to set up a mega photovoltaic power plant in Larzac. The solar panels were initially to be installed on 400 hectares on the ground, but this power station considered disproportionate by its detractors (in particular José Bové) was revised downwards taking into account the claims: 200 hectares at most, on a land which makes it double. At the time, the former leader of the peasant confederation described the file as completely nuts. The Terres du Larzac association was windward.
Since then, agricultural, environmental and topographical studies have been carried out. Biological methanation, once considered, is abandoned. On the other hand, Arkolia does not rule out launching a green hydrogen activity. Feasibility studies are in progress.
The public is invited to participate in workshops from November 16
This plant will not see the light of day before 2026. In the meantime, the company is embarking on a consultation phase from November 16. A non-compulsory consultation, insists the company, but necessary for the involvement of all.
Four participatory workshops are organized in the commune of Rives. You must first register on the Solarzac website. The restitution of these workshops will be carried out on December 2, 2021 at the Bosc multipurpose room.
Since the controversy in 2019, Arkolia Energies assures that it has not had no exchange with José Bové.
Arkolia Energies, located in Mudaison (east of Montpellier), employs 140 people. This specialist in green energies has set up a thousand sites in France, in particular ground-based photovoltaic plants, solar agricultural roofs, wind farms … 80 million turnover in 2020.