Within the framework of Sol’AURA project, the town of Voreppe (France) integrated solar thermal energy into its second heating network. After many years of preparation and planning, Voreppe finally realised the solar thermal plant in 2020. Thereby, 12 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year can be avoided.

Voreppe’s heating network now uses solar thermal energy and supplies clean and renewable energy to the municipal swimming pool, two schools, an elderly care centre, buildings and individual houses. It is 800 metres long and is being extended to 1.2 kilometres.

The solar thermal plant with 160 m² has an average productivity of 500 kWh/m² per year, with a renewable energy coverage rate of 92.5% and is based on wood and solar supply. This heating network is based on solar thermal energy, which heats the cold water coming back from the various connected buildings. If the energy produced by the solar thermal plant is insufficient, the wood and gas boilers provide the rest.

The installation consists of 11 collector rows placed in the area between the boiler room and the swimming pool, which are inclined at 10° and face south.

Further information about the project (in French) can be found here.

Text: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Energy Environment Agency (AURA-EE)

Picture: CEA Ines