Key figures for the sector:

1st region in France for wind farms and 2nd in Europe: 30 farms installed, 310 MW
1st region in France in terms of budget per inhabitant dedicated to renewable energies (7€/inhab./yr)
2nd largest photovoltaic capacity: 10 000m² of solar panels
Largest solar furnace in the world: Odeillo, 1 MW
1st region in France for biodiversity: 65% protected species
A dedicated competitive cluster: DERBI (Development of Renewable Energies in Building and Industry)

LOCAL EXPERTISE IN THE FIVE TYPES OF ENERGY

Hydro power
All the sites that are suitable for large dams in France and Languedoc-Roussillon have already been equipped. The development of hydro power production is today based on increasing the number of micro-hydro power stations.

Wind farms
Since the installation of France's first wind farm in Languedoc-Roussillon in 1993, this sector has developed a regional structure that today includes all the related professional bodies. Consequently many of the big names in the large, small and medium wind turbine sectors have been attracted to the region.

Thermal solar systems
The region's political determination to promote this type of production was illustrated by the construction of the largest solar furnace in the world (1MW) in Languedoc-Roussillon in 1969, giving a major boost to the experience and know-how developed by local firms in this area.

Photovoltaic solar systems
This key technology for future energy production is becoming steadily cheaper as technologies advance, and its use is increasingly widespread thanks to the efforts of regional companies.

Biomass
The considerable quantitative (77 automatic wood-fired boilers and 4 household waste-fired boilers) and qualitative (1 methanisation unit, 1 Diester biomass fuel production plant and 1 bioethanol manufacturing unit) facilities available in the Languedoc-Roussillon have resulted in the region's professionals developing a high degree of expertise and innovation in the various key sectors.

Green building
Eco-renovation, architects, building materials and equipements…