Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Minister of Public Works, Environment and Urban Development, has unveiled two projects representing Monaco’s investment in solar energy.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, June 29, she said that these are the measuring of Principality’s solar footprint and the setting-up of a SMEG/government joint venture to purchase power from renewable energy sources.
The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase local production of renewable energy. An interactive map, available at www.cadastresolaire.mc, identifies the potential for capturing sunlight, the surface area for solar panel installation and the annual production for each roof.
Marie-Pierre Gramaglia said: “It will offer owners, trustees and individuals the opportunity to quickly visualise data for the deployment of solar panels on the roof of their building.”
The second part of the presentation focused on the creation of a SMEG/government joint venture. The objective is to invest in renewable electricity generating assets outside Monaco.
“If we want to develop or acquire green power plants abroad, mainly in France at the moment, we need to increase the share of imported green electricity.”
Thomas Battaglione, Managing Director of SMEG, added: “Monaco will contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the countries in which the assets will be located, while at the same time maintain long-term control over its procurement costs.”
He added, “The first asset to be acquired has already been identified – a photovoltaic power plant located in the Var with average production of 5GWh/year.”
Minister Gramaglia concluded this presentation by stressing: “These two actions are exemplary and bear witness to the determination of the Prince’s Government to meet the objectives set by His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince.”