On January 15th, Photosol, Fruits Rouges & Co and Insolight signed a partnership agreement at the Sival trade fair in Angers. The aim is to develop an innovative agrivoltaic demonstrator "Campus Fruits Rouges". The project features semi-transparent bifacial photovoltaic panels as an alternative to plastic tunnels.
"The installation not only produces energy but also protects the plants from harsh weather conditions while reducing water consumption. The dynamic shading screens, powered by Insolight's proprietary technology, Insol'insights, ensure optimal light conditions for growing berries while enhancing energy efficiency", they announced, adding that the project aims to gather valuable data on the agro-economic impact of the solution insolagrin for red fruit production marking a decisive step in the quest for local, sustainable and competitive production.
A response to the challenges facing the soft fruit sector
With consumption going up 35% over the last five years, red fruit is becoming increasingly popular in France. However, 87% of raspberries consumed in France are still imported, due to a lack of local production. Fruits Rouges & Co, a SME that has been pioneering the commercialisation of red fruits since 1990, has set itself an ambitious target: to triple its share of French production by 2028.
To meet this challenge, the company rapidly assessed the potential of agrivoltaics to offer a solution that would perform both technically - thanks to optimum protection for the fruit - and economically, with electricity production guaranteeing the additional income needed for the installation.
A solution in service of innovation
Photosol, a French company specialising in solar energy, joined forces with Fruits Rouges & Co and Insolight to set up a partnership and an initial pilot project. Photosol deployed the demonstrator on the Campus with an agrivoltaic solution developed by Insolight: 'insolagrin'. This innovative solution with semi-transparent solar panels is an alternative to plastic tunnels. This solution protects the fruit from bad weather, reduces evapotranspiration and optimises water use, while automatically adjusting the shading by using climate sensors and the 'insol'insights' software to continuously monitor and control.
Campus Fruits Rouges: a laboratory for the future
This agrivoltaic demonstrator is located on the Campus Fruits Rouges, in Allemant in the Aisne region, on the farm of Thomas Magnien, producer and project manager. Raspberry, strawberry and blueberry crops will be monitored for 5 years to assess the agronomic and economic benefits of the solution.
Moreover, the project goes even further: the Campus Fruits Rouges aims to become a centre for exchange and innovation for producers and stakeholders in this field, at both regional and national level. It will be a place where sustainable practices and technological solutions come together to strengthen France's agricultural sovereignty.
Production of "energy positive fruits"
Thanks to a 20-year renewable energy power purchase agreement with Photosol, Fruits Rouges & Co uses solar-generated electricity from the Fruits Rouges Campus for its fruit cooling and preservation needs.
"This partnership is fully in line with Photosol's strategy of developing innovative agrivoltaic projects hand in hand with major players in the agricultural sector, such as Fruits Rouges & Co", said Thomas Aubagnac, Directeur Général Adjoint de Photosol. "Setting up this demonstrator at the heart of the Fruits Rouges Campus will enable us to acquire key data and feedback with a view to deploying projects with small fruit producers. We are delighted to seal this long-term partnership today, and cannot wait to taste the first raspberries, strawberries and blueberries produced under our facilities!"
''We are extremely pleased to be part of the Campus Fruits Rouges project, a flagship facility for this type of cultivation in France. Thanks to the combined expertise of all the partners, it will enable in-depth agronomic and economic analyses for berry producers. We sincerely thank Fruits Rouges & Co and Photosol for their trust and collaboration. We are now looking forward to the crops being planted for the next phase of operation.' says Laurent Coulot, CEO of Insolight.
"At Fruits Rouges & Co, we are committed to ensuring the long-term future of existing red berry production chains, while actively supporting producers in their day-to-day challenges. This partnership with Photosol and Insolight represents a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the development of innovative solutions, while meeting the challenges of sustainability and food sovereignty. Our ambition is clear: to offer producers concrete tools to increase their production while preserving quality, the environment and natural resources. We are proud help transforming the soft fruit sector into a model of sustainable agricultural excellence", added Sylvie Cathelain Présidente de Fruits Rouges & Co, Mélanie Marchand Directrice Générale, Fruits Rouges & Co.
For more information:
Insolight
www.insolight.ch