Monaco Scientific Centre adds solar panels and signs National Energy Transition Pact

A gauche du Souverain : Mme Céline Caron-Dagioni, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de l'Equipement, de l'Environnement et de l'Urbanisme ; Mme Delphine Frappier, Secrétaire Générale du CSM ; le Professeur Patrick Rampal, Président du CSM ; le Professeur Denis Allemand, Directeur Scientifique du CSM. A droite du Souverain : M. Anthony de Sevelinges, Chef de Service du SMBP ; M. Patrice Cellario, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de l'Intérieur ; M. Hervé Gueneau, responsable de la Cellule Maintenance et Energies du SMBP ; M. Sébastien Vauthier, CSM. Crédit Photo : ©Michaël Alesi - Direction de la Communication

On Monday 6 December, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco officially opened the Monaco Scientific Centre’s photovoltaic power station. The opening was also attended by Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior, whose Ministry oversees the Centre, Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, and Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the Monaco Scientific Centre.

Guided by Anthony de Sevelinges, Head of the Public Buildings Maintenance Office, the Sovereign was able to see the solar power facilities installed on the building’s roof terrace. Made up of 443 photovoltaic panels installed over 987 m², the facilities are the largest on any public building in the Principality in terms of roof space covered and generation capacity. With estimated annual capacity of 250 MWh, these facilities will allow the Centre to produce 25.23% of its energy needs and will help to reduce greenhouse gases by nearly 20.5 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Anthony de Sevelinges also emphasised that there are now 26 public buildings in the Principality which are equipped with photovoltaic panels, covering a total area of 4,968 m², and capable of generating 1,039 MWh and reducing CO₂ emissions by 85 tonnes per year.

A gauche du Souverain : Mme Céline Caron-Dagioni, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de l'Equipement, de l'Environnement et de l'Urbanisme ; Mme Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, Directrice de la MTE. A droite du Souverain : M. Patrice Cellario, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de l'Intérieur ; le Professeur Patrick Rampal, Président du CSM. Crédit Photo : ©Eric Mathon - Palais Princier

In line with this presentation, the Centre signed the National Energy Transition Pact in the presence of Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, Director of the Mission for Energy Transition.

Professor Rampal took the opportunity to recall the Centre’s involvement in reducing greenhouse gases and promoting environmental protection, from the Centre’s work in its polar, marine and medical biology research laboratories through to the exemplary nature of the building.

While the Centre’s laboratories and aquariums require more or less permanent lighting, LEDs are now the norm. In addition, one floor is supplied with heating and cooling by the Quai Antoine I seawater heat pump, and the other by a thermal energy loop which feeds the entire building. Finally, on transport, staggered working hours have been introduced.

Following the signing, Professor Rampal encouraged all of the Centre’s staff to join the National Pact as individuals in a bid to optimise the transition at all levels and ensure its durability.

Photograph copyright and captions

- Photograph 1 Officials in front of the photovoltaic panels

On the Sovereign’s left: Ms Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development; Ms Delphine Frappier, Secretary-General of the Monaco Scientific Centre; Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the Monaco Scientific Centre; Professor Denis Allemand, Scientific Director of the Monaco Scientific Centre.

On the Sovereign’s right: Mr Anthony de Sevelinges, Head of the Public Buildings Maintenance Office; Mr Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior; Mr Hervé Gueneau, Maintenance and Energy Unit Manager at the Public Buildings Maintenance Office; Mr Sébastien Vauthier, Monaco Scientific Centre.

Photo credit: ©Michaël Alesi/Government Communication Department

- Photograph 2: Signing the Pact

On the Sovereign’s left: Mme Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development; Ms Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, Director of the Mission for Energy Transition.

On the Sovereign’s right: Mr Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior; Professor Patrick Rampal, President of the Monaco Scientific Centre.

Photo credit: © Eric Mathon/Prince’s Palace