The transition from fossil fuels to sustainable future is an important goal of Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH). Gazel Energie, a subsidiary of EPH, is currently working on two important projects that are in line with the company’s goals to gradually transition to renewable energy sources.
Repowering of wind farms
In 2023, Ambon and Muzillac wind farms, both located in Brittany, France, underwent a repowering operation with an investment of 35 million euro. This operation enabled a 30% increase in the production capacity of each farm, raising their total installed capacity from 18.50 MW to 26.40 MW. New turbines were installed in the summer of 2024 and both farms are scheduled to be inaugurated by the fall of 2024. Repowering stands as a great example of energy transition and circular economy, as 98 % of the total mass of the turbines was recycled.
Gazel Energie is actively working on repowering the reminder of its wind fleet in France. The Lehaucourt wind farm, with a capacity of 14MW, has secured a 20-year tariff of €87/MWh. The production of the repowered park is expected to begin within the next three years.
Emile Huchet battery projects
Gazel Energie’s second project is a battery storage facility located at the Emile Huchet power plant site in Moselle, France. The battery project will have an installed capacity of 35 MW and a storage capacity of 44 MWh. This development marks another step towards sustainability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the grid. By reusing a historic substation on the site, the project has saved time and costs while minimizing its environmental impact. The battery system, which will store enough energy to provide daily electricity consumption for 10,000 people, is set to be inaugurated in autumn 2024.
Gazel Energie has another 65MW/130MWh battery project in its pipeline. The final investment decision for this project is expected to be made in the coming months, with the operations anticipated to begin in 2026.
„We continue to take steps towards sustainable energy. The new projects in France are concentrated on our former coal plant sites which allows us to contribute to the just transition from fossil fuel and to enable continuation of industrial activities in the areas. As for the wind projects, we are leveraging on our existing sites in order to minimize impact on the surrounding landscape, “adds Peter Černák, Member of the Board of Directors of EP Power Europe.