Q ENERGY France & Aquacosy Inaugurate a Hydrovoltaic Prototype

In a press release, Céline Spitzhorn, Solar Director of Q ENERGY France, accompanied by Pierre Aubignac from the start-up Aquacosy inaugurated a hydrovoltaic prototype in the town of Montauban in the Tarn et Garonne region in the presence of Brigitte Barèges, Mayor of Montauban.

Hydroponics is a closed soil-less growing system in which plants grow with their roots in water enriched with natural and biosourced nutrients, using biological control. The prototype, with an installed capacity of 9.3kW, has been in operation since August 2021 and covers an area of 250m². It is equipped with a hydraulic system with 2 gutters for rainwater recovery and a tank with a pump system.

An innovative energy tool for agriculture
This totally innovative system protects the growth of crops from frost, heat waves and wind while preserving water resources. It can be installed anywhere, preferably on land with very low agronomic value. It has no negative impact on the environment, and allows to grow a 100% natural, diversified and densified production on 5 to 15 times less space.

Very promising first results
Designed according to a protocol validated by the CNRS, the prototype has already been in use for a year and has shown very encouraging initial results both in terms of agricultural production yields and the extension of production seasons, thanks in particular to the strong protection against wind and frost. After these very promising results, the next step is the search for land for a larger project, demonstrating these same benefits for agricultural production.

“After the inauguration of the photovoltaic hop farm prototype in the Vendée last June, we are delighted to inaugurate this second project, which is also innovative. This is an ideal tool for territories wishing to set up short food and energy circuits while promoting the creation of agricultural jobs,” says Céline SPITZHORN, Solar Director of Q ENERGY France.

“We are very happy to collaborate with Q ENERGY France on such an innovative project. It is important to remember that today, the food and energy sectors are major issues for our future. It is therefore essential to find good synergies to meet these challenges together” says Pierre AUBIGNAC, co-founder of AQUACOSY.

Image provided by Q Energy France.