Reservoir Sun and ENGIE are now lead partners in providing the OL Vallée project with access to solar energy. This innovative and sustainable undertaking includes the installation of solar facilities that will use a range of photovoltaic solutions to power the entire local ecosystem. It also involves an image partnership and a contribution to the Ma Chance Moi Aussi (A Chance For Me Too) organisation.
Having joined the ‘Time for the Planet’ movement and in line with its strong environmental commitments, OL Groupe is demonstrating its desire to play an active role in sustainable development initiatives in its region. With the support of Reservoir Sun, a key player in solar self-supply, OL Groupe has created links with local projects initiated by the town of Décines, the city of Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
It is anticipated that these various solar energy projects will position OL Vallée as a global benchmark for renewable energy in the world of sport and events.
As part of the initial partnership, Reservoir Sun will provide solar energy for the property assets of OL Vallée, including the first four flagship projects:
- The introduction of solar canopies in the Groupama Stadium carparks – these will help to improve visitor comfort whilst powering charging stations for electric vehicles.
- The installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Groupama OL Training Center, the mixed-gender training centre for the Olympique Lyonnais professional teams.
- The development of a solar-panel roof for the future ‘All In Academy’ elite tennis training and coaching centre to be run by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Thierry Ascione in the south of the site.
- The installation of solar panels on the future Arena, a multi-function hall for sporting and cultural events that will host EuroLeague basketball matches for ASVEL, the club chaired by Tony Parker.
The solar units will have a total installed capacity of about 10 MW and will cover an area of 50,000 m², the equivalent of seven football pitches. This locally-produced carbon-free electricity, which equates to the annual energy consumption of 2,500 households, will meet some of the requirements of the Groupama Stadium and the Arena, and will save 164 metric tons of CO² per year.
The training centre will provide some of the energy required by the Groupama Stadium through an innovative solution: solar self-supply.
