The Larivot Bioenergy Plant: The Strength of the Actemium Network
With its guaranteed capacity of 120 MW, EDF new Larivot bioenergy plant is set to replace the current Dégrad des Cannes power plant by 2026 to ensure and secure electricity supply in French Guiana.
From the moment it becomes operational, this strategic project will run on liquid biomass derived from vegetable oils, such as rapeseed oil—a 100% renewable biofuel sourced from sustainable supply chains that exclude palm and soybean oils.
Equipped with seven next-generation engines, the Larivot plant will be able to adjust its power and energy output based on the evolution of production resources in the region and the energy needs of the population. This large-scale project, initiated by EDF PEI (Production Énergie Insulaire), a subsidiary of the EDF Group committed to the energy transition in island territories, has been entrusted to VINCI Construction Grands Projets as part of a consortium, also including Actemium.
Highly Complex Switchboards
Actemium Saint-Rémy, has been tasked with the design, manufacturing, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and maritime packing of the 16 low-voltage main switchboards (TGBT) that will power the plant’s processes. These switchboards are fully withdrawable and meet service index 333, the highest level of service a switchboard can provide in terms of operation, maintenance, and scalability. They integrate a source switching and synchronization system, as well as an automated input/output management system.
These pieces of equipment require a high level of technical expertise, both in design and implementation. This is particularly true for the two main switchboards, each measuring 12 meters long and handling a nominal current of 5000A.
One of the main challenges for Actemium Saint-Rémy is adapting to the various functionalities required for each client need while working within an already highly complex design for this type of switchboard.
Power of Teamwork
The second challenge is meeting the demand within a tight deadline. Studies, orders, and manufacturing must all be completed between October 2024 and September 2025. Actemium Saint-Rémy has dedicated seven full-time personnel to production, four to design studies, and two to testing.
However, given the scale of the project, additional expertise from two other companies within the network has been brought in. Actemium Clermont Ingénierie et Travaux is in charge of producing 600 drawers and Actemium Marine Factory in Concarneau of adding seven additional TGBT panels to the initial order: a great example of Actemium’s capability to leverage its wide network to answer to meet even the most specific challenges