Q Energy, a leading renewable energy company, has announced its ambitious initiative to repower the Souleilla-Corbieres wind farm in France. The project aims to replace the existing 16 turbines with state-of-the-art 80-meter models, significantly enhancing the farm's power generation capabilities.
Originally constructed in 1999 and commissioned in 2001, the Souleilla-Corbieres wind farm, located in Treilles, has been a prominent source of clean energy for the region. However, with the advent of advanced wind turbine technology, Q Energy saw an opportunity to revitalize the farm and maximize its potential.
The upcoming repowering effort will boost the farm's annual power production from approximately 60GWh to an impressive 71GWh. Remarkably, this substantial increase in output will be achieved while maintaining the current number, positions, and dimensions of the turbines, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape.
Presently, the reconstruction work is already underway, with completion and commissioning slated for the end of 2023. The Q Energy team is diligently working to ensure a smooth transition to the new turbine models, further solidifying the company's commitment to sustainable energy production.
Furthermore, Q Energy is dedicated to environmental responsibility throughout the repowering process. As part of their circular economy approach, an impressive 99.4% of the fleet components will be recycled or repurposed. The site's steel materials have been meticulously reprocessed and reused, exemplifying the company's commitment to minimizing waste.
Notably, Q Energy has also found innovative ways to repurpose turbine components. Spare parts were sold for reuse, while a local artist received eight tonnes (equivalent to 3% of the blades) for creative projects. Additionally, an astounding 228 tonnes (97% of the blades) were sold for the production of unique and eco-friendly furniture.
Reflecting on the project, Jean-Francois Petit, the Managing Director of Q Energy France, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “During the construction of this park in 2000-2001, our team comprised fewer than 10 employees. Today, we have grown to a team of 240, and the renewable energy sector has grown alongside us. Undertaking one of the first repowering projects in France symbolizes the significant progress made by Q Energy and the renewable energy industry.”
Q Energy's commitment to sustainable energy and environmentally conscious practices sets a commendable precedent for the industry. The Souleilla-Corbieres wind farm repowering project not only promises enhanced power generation but also showcases the company's dedication to a greener future.
