13/06/2008 -
In the late morning of Thursday 12th June, H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince visited the solar power units installed at the Annonciade school complex for preheating and maintaining the water temperature of the swimming pool, and supplying hot water for the school.
The installation consists of two solar panel systems. The first is made up of glass panels measuring 100 square metres which will be used mainly to heat the domestic hot water (DHW). Solar power production from these panels is estimated at 35 000 kwh/year covering almost 87% of the domestic hot water needs of the complex. This production prevents more than 7 tons of CO2 emissions.
The second system consists of a series of solar sensors over a 160 square metre area installed on the terrace roof which will supply part of the needs to heat and maintain the temperature of the pool at 29°C. This system will make it possible to produce approximately 90 000 kWh/year of power and to prevent more than 18 tons of C02 emissions per year.
The cost for the whole installation amounts to 114 000 euros. The system produces a total of 125 000 kWh/year thus covering approximately 7% of the complex’s gas consumption, in other words the equivalent of the annual energy consumption of the Annonciade car park.
The Monaco Government implemented these solar panels as a pilot scheme to save energy in public buildings. It is based on two main objectives: to reduce consumption and to develop renewable energy.
The Annonciade complex with a surface area of 35 000 square metres, houses the Technical and Hotel School, the Charles III School, the offices of the Department of National Education and a 450-space car park. In 2006, with over 3.3 Gwh/year, the complex was the greatest consumer of gas in the Principality. In 2007, by eliminating waste, cutting temperatures and lighting and making improvements to the settings, the figure dropped by 40%. A tremendous result achieved thanks to a global effort. The Monaco Government would like to congratulate: the Department of National Education, Youth and Sport, the headmaster of the technical school, the headmistress of the school, the teachers, all the staff and of course the students.
The solar system will enable a further saving of 7%.
The project falls within the scope of the policy implemented by the Monaco Government to promote the development of renewable energies such as sea water heat pumps, widely distributed throughout the Principality, both by the public and private sectors (Grimaldi Forum, SBM, Rainier III Swimming Pool…), which produce 17% of the energy consumed in the Principality and allow an annual saving of over 15 000 tons of oil equivalent.
Furthermore, the Monaco Government recently introduced a State grant for the installation of solar power units. Aid amounting to 30% of the total cost of the system - equipment and installation included – can now be obtained. This aid, with an upper limit of 30 000€, is intended to replace a fossil-fuelled heating system by a solar heating system. As a rule, the grant will be approved upon presentation of an application file, and paid once the work has been completed.
Owners who wish to install a solar heating system are required to submit an application to the Department of Prospective Studies, Urban Planning and Mobility :
Tel: +377 98 98 22 99
Fax: +377 98 98 88 02 –
Email: prospective@gouv.mc
The worldwide photovoltaic “boom”
According to a report by the Worldwatch Institute, the global production of solar photovoltaic cells increased 51% in 2007, bringing the world capacity for photovoltaic power production to 3 733 megawatts (MW). 2.935 MW were installed in 2007, i.e. installed cumulative power amounting to 9 740 MW since 1996 – the equivalent of the annual electric demand of 3 million European homes.
In 2007, 1 063 of these megawatts were produced in the European Union. Germany remains the world leader in solar PV installations, accounting for almost half the world total.
China's PV production increased more than sixfold in two years, amounting to 820 MW in 2007, and mainly for export. |
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