Known as “clean energy” or “green energy”, renewables have a minimal impact on the environment in terms of waste and pollutant emissions. Thus, this business sector is increasingly evolving thanks to advances in technology and innovation.
The Principality of Monaco has been investing in renewable energy sources for some years, in line with The Energy Transition White Paper, a policy document signed in March 2017 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco with the aim to involve the entire Monegasque society in the energy transition path.
In 2017, the Monaco Énergies Renouvelables (M.E.R.) was created by the Prince's Government and SMEG, major player in charge of the distribution, production and supply of energy throughout the Principality. This innovative energy company is addressed to develop, build and manage photovoltaic, wind and hydroelectric parks outside Monaco. Thanks to this initiative, a little more than half of the energy used in Monaco (around 53% of the total) is now generated by renewable energies.
Meanwhile, the Principality has always encouraged the application of cutting hedge high technology. The Smart Flower, installed by the will of the Gouvernement Princier in Fontvieille public gardens, between the Chapiteau and the Roseraie Princesse Grace, is an excellent ambassador for energy engineering that mimics nature. This smart photovoltaic generator, operated by SMEG and EDF ENR (leading French photovoltaic company), is able to produce solar photovoltaic power according to the inclination of the sun, like a sunflower.
This high-tech flower is made of twelve petals, each equipped with forty photovoltaic cells, which allow a sun exposure area of 18 m2 while optimising the production of green electricity thanks to a system of horizontal and vertical axes within a solar dual axis tracker able to follow the sun’s rays at a 90° position during the day, to maximise power produced (up to 40% more energy than traditional panels). Moreover, the device is capable to cool down or go into safety mode if weather conditions are extreme (e.g.: heat waves, windstorm, etc.) as well as to self-clean at each opening and closing.
Of course, the Solar Flower is just one of the many ongoing projects in Monaco committed to become a Solar City in the near future, in view of achieving net zero by 2050. Not by chance, the Grimaldi Forum counts on more than 1,500 photovoltaic panel modules covering an area of 2,500 m2 to generate a total power of 526 kW, being the largest clean energy source in the Principality. Since early December 2021, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco has been equipped with 443 photovoltaic panels installed over 987 m2, with estimated annual capacity of 250 MWh, representing the largest photovoltaic facility on a public building in the Principality. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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