Solarezo

Main assets

• An ideal geographical location in the heart of the Landes forests and of the zone hardest hit by the hurricane and currently being redeveloped.
• Land in a single stretch that is both available and far enough from any homes (to limit any possible disturbances).
• A dynamic, responsive local forestry sector.
• Good-quality soils and sub-soils, in particular in hydrographic terms.
• A highly positive assessment report (by the APAVE).

In practice

Today, a 40-hectare storage yard with capacity of 250,000 tonnes of wood. Tomorrow, a wood-chip transformation unit.

In parallel, studies are underway into the possibility of installing solar energy systems around the edge of the site (in 2011).

In the long term, it could be possible to supply industrialists with high-value-added biofuels.

In compliance with local requirements

• Noise: respect for local quality of life by choosing the right equipment and positioning it carefully. First acoustic measurements taken in 2nd half of 2011.
• For traffic, introduction of:
  
  
  • Truck traffic limitation plan, 
  • Strict transport charter to reduce disturbances as much as possible, 
  • Road checks each month to monitor effective application of the rules,
  • Systematic information for drivers on the site,
  • Sanctions in the event of non compliance with the clauses of the charter.
  • Consultation: creation of an Advisory Committee comprising local stakeholders (local politicians, associations, local residents, suppliers, clients, forestry-sector professionals). Quarterly meetings.

The focal role of the site

Schedule

• June 2010: creation of the wood storage yard in Ygos-Saint-Saturnin.
• 2011: launch of the construction of the transformation facility for producing biofuels to foster economic development in line with local values.

Main economic impacts

• Consolidating the Landes wood sector with new outlets for foresters.
• Creating and protecting direct and indirect jobs:
  
  
  • Direct employment: about 50 jobs, of which 35 in Ygos by 2012 and 15 on client sites in 2012 / 2013.
  • Indirect employment: 100 jobs by 2012 in forestry, transport, on-site maintenance, various services, catering...

• Major investments bringing additional revenues to the local communities.