Tarn. Here, a third of the electricity pylons will disappear from the landscape in a few months

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The inhabitants of the south Tarn are currently witnessing a rather special aerial ballet. The big one helicopters blue. And their cargo doesn't go unnoticed either. These are electric pylons. Because here, in a few months, a third of these pylons will have disappeared from the landscape.

This exceptional project is taking place between Lacabarèdein Tarn and Fonclare (Le Soulié) in Hérault. In the extreme south of the department, not far from the border with Aude.

32 km of electricity network

This modernization operation carried out by RTE Sud-Oues is part of the Regional Connection Plan for Renewable Energy Networks (S3REnR). It concerns 32 km of electrical network on this 63 kV line. With in particular the replacement of pylons by helicopter means.

The choice of the helicopter makes it possible to reduce the duration of the work (one year instead of two) and to reduce “or even eliminate the site improvements”. A delicate mission since the line is located in a particular environment: steeply sloping terrain, with little or no access within the Haut-Languedoc regional natural park.

Cables that resist heat better

50 pylons are being removed out of the 160 present before the operation. But this is not the only goal of this project. Thus, the new cables installed will be able to withstand higher temperatures than currently (from 45° to 65°) “for taking into account climate resilience”, explains RTE Sud-Ouest.

RTE which also creates a “optical link”. It allows “the rapid transmission of data and information for equipment monitoring and network flexibility at any time”.

13 million euros

This rehabilitation project represents an investment of around €13 million, entirely financed by RTE. “It will economically benefit the territories and businesses with 1.5 million euros in local economic benefits (civil engineering, equipment rental, temporary work, hotel nights, catering, etc.),” assures RTE Sud Ouest.

The modernization of the line is part of a global project to rehabilitate the electricity network which extends to Béziers. The reconstruction of the continuation of the 63kV line between the
Fonclare and Béziers stations is in progress. All work will be completed in April 2025.

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