Collective self-consumption: a new model in Uzège Pont du Gard

While it supported individual self-consumption projects in its early days, the Citre cooperative made a change of direction. “After a year of stabilization of projects, reflections on collective self-consumption continue. This is now our area of ​​study”says Philippe Thiébot, member of Citre.

Circuit local de production

Concretely, the objective here is indeed to share electricity between “neighbors”. Producer members are remunerated from the sale of electricity to consumer members, under conditions which must be advantageous for both the producer and the consumer.

This system makes it possible to escape the fluctuation of energy market prices. For end customers, it is therefore a significant advantage for reducing and stabilizing the electricity bill. The manager of this operation is the organizing legal entity (PMO) whose role is to define the distribution of the electricity produced between the two parties. “This is the system that we want to offer to the citizens of Uzège Pont du Gard”.

A project in progress in Saint-Quentin

It is at Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie that a project of this scale could see the light of day. Three distinct sites would then form a new energy production site via photovoltaic panels: the Cistes nursing home and the parking lotthe hangar of the Pierre-Mendès-France intercommunal social center and theVallabrix school. “In 2024, the geographical criterion has been set at 20km in rural areas, which makes the operation possible”says Philippe Thiébot.

Feasibility studies, economic and technical, have been launched and could thus lead to the implementation of the said project. “This is a first in the Uzége region and it is a project that follows our philosophy, energy produced locally and for the benefit of the territory. We are behind compared to other regions which have already developed these projects”. This perimeter defined by these three actors can potentially be expanded and accommodate other interested residents.

Also, the surplus of one can be consumed by one of the three sites. Linked to collective self-consumption, Zithers decided to work more with individuals than with communities which, according to the cooperative, “are turning to private operators, promising significant economic benefits”.