Saint-Joachim, a quaint town in France, is embarking on an extraordinary venture by harnessing solar energy in a place unexpected by many – its local cemetery. This project is not just about eco-innovation; it’s also about inclusiveness, allowing anyone to become part of it with a mere €5 investment.
Solar Canopy Over The Cemetery: A Dual-Purpose Solution
Located amidst the Brière marsh, the town of Saint-Joachim frequently experiences flooding in its cemetery, particularly during winter. To combat this, the inventive mayor of Saint-Joachim proposed an avant-garde plan – to erect a solar canopy over the graveyard. This initiative serves a double purpose: preventing the graveyard from inundating with rainwater and generating clean energy.
Beyond water management, this project brings sunlight into play. In summer, when the town faces drought conditions, the collected water can be repurposed to irrigate the neighborhood’s green spaces. The icing on the cake? The very canopy keeping the grounds dry also converts sunlight into electricity.
The Pioneer of Renewable Energy: From Rooftops to Residents
No stranger to renewable energy, Saint-Joachim has been proactive in its sustainable efforts since 2012, placing photovoltaic setups on municipal buildings. This latest initiative extends the benefit directly to its citizens, providing them with the opportunity to consume clean, locally-produced electricity.
Community-Driven and Equitable Energy Distribution
The egalitarian distribution of this green energy is one of the most refreshing aspects of the project. It’s a collective endeavor, fueled by the engagement and interest of the Briérons, the local community. An overwhelming 97% of residents supported the initiative upon consultation, demonstrating a solid community consensus.
Of the 4,000-strong population, over 420 individuals have already pledged their commitment to the initiative. This groundswell of support underscores the project’s potential to galvanize even more participation once the initiative visibly kicks off.
A Glimpse Into the Future: Prototype Installation and Projected Savings
A prototype for this innovative system was showcased, paving the way for a broader understanding of the upcoming design and functionality. Anticipation is high, as the project proposes a novel way of sharing electricity—a significant departure from the small-scale shared solar setups seen elsewhere in France.
With ambitions to connect over 1,000 people to this shared power grid, the project is setting a precedent for communal energy sharing without direct payment. The proposed system promises a reduction in electricity bills that could translate into substantial annual savings for households.
Algorithmic Fairness in Electricity Allocation
Dividing the solar electricity fairly requires a high-tech approach. The plan involves developing an algorithm to track energy usage and make equitable deductions on participants’ monthly bills. This forward-thinking strategy enables a fair distribution without the challenges of physically partitioning the electricity supply.
The Controversial Yet Poignant Choice of Location
While some might raise eyebrows at the notion of generating electricity in a cemetery, the choice is layered with practicality. The transparent solar panels will respect the tranquility of the space while providing a sustainable benefit. It’s a poignant reminder of the town’s resilience and innovation, looking past traditional spaces to address environmental and community needs.
As a self-funded project, Saint-Joachim is not holding back when it comes to investing in sustainability. With the project’s completion slated for summer 2025, the town is on track to pioneer a cleaner, greener future.
