COMPANIES. The Langres site of OP Mobility (formerly Plastic Omnium) is continuing its project to build a photovoltaic park, on land within its area, which should be operational in 2026. The Regional Environmental Authority has made some recommendations.
The project was mentioned a little over a year ago, in September 2023, before the Langres municipal council (see daily jhm from September 29, 2023). The elected officials then almost unanimously validated an agreement in principle, allowing OP Mobility (formerly Plastic Omnium) to engage in the creation of a photovoltaic park on its Franchises site, in connection with the Luxel structure, subsidiary of EDF Renewables.
This initiative has since continued its course. The various administrative stages are being completed one by one, and the first construction work should begin soon. “The building permit was submitted in March this year and finalized in May. We also obtained the agreement of the Architect of Buildings of France (ABF), who noted that the park, on the ground, would be little or not visible from the ramparts of Langres,” indicates Sébastien Guyon, director of the Langres site. from OP Mobility. “In broad terms, the objective is to start work in the summer of 2025, for commissioning of the park which is hoped for the first quarter of 2026,” specifies the manager.
Vigilance on protected species
The park will have a capacity of 9 MWp, and is intended to be connected to the Champigny-lès-Langres substation. The idea is to enable production equivalent to 10% of OP Mobility's needs, across all of its sites in France. In terms of property taxes, such an installation would bring in approximately €12,000 annually for the City of Langres, €20,000 for Grand Langres and €7,000 for the Department.
Finally, it should be noted that, on November 4, the Regional Environmental Authority Mission (MRAE) issued its advisory opinion and recommendations on the project. Overall, the institution recognizes that the elements in the file “constitute sufficient criteria to justify the establishment of the plant”. A problematic ecological point is nevertheless highlighted, around the protection of certain rare species of bats and birds. The filing states that the necessary measures are planned. The MRAE is not on the same wavelength, and recalls that obtaining an exemption for destruction of protected habitat will be required here.
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