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The protection association of the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation (ODG) has banned the construction of photovoltaic systems in vineyards (vitivoltaics). This is reported by the French industry magazine Vitisphere. According to ODG chairman Damien Gilles, the benefits for viticulture – shading, reduced water consumption, lower alcohol yield – are uncertain. The argument for vitivoltaics as a tool against global warming is a pretext, as it causes "long-term yield losses." "We have never seen anything grow in the shade," said Gilles. The electricity generation is rather a source of income for energy companies and landowners. However, the systems would lead to a "total destruction of our landscape." This has implications for tourism, from which the wine industry also benefits.
Originally, the ODG wanted to test several vitivoltaic projects on ten to twenty hectares in the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages to collect technical data. However, so many requests for very large and non-experimental systems were received that the appellation has now decided on a fundamental ban on photovoltaic modules in vineyards. "Otherwise, hundreds of hectares would have been covered within a year," said Gilles. The higher authority, the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), also supports the ban. In vineyards with designation of origin, any permanent installation above the vines has been prohibited since 2003. According to the operators of vitivoltaic systems, their removal is possible at any time. Movable panels would also minimize the landscape impact.
Damien Gilles emphasizes that the responsible parties of the AOC areas of the northern and southern Rhône support the ban. The high demand for PV systems is a reflection of the strained economic situation of many wineries. "In Burgundy or Champagne, where things are going well, this is not an issue. Some winemakers will resent me for this, but it is primarily about protecting the winemakers and the appellation from themselves." However, the ODG could change its position if later studies prove a viticultural benefit of vitivoltaics.
(al)
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