Neoen Wins 164 MWp in French Solar Tender

• Neoen SA triumphs in France's solar tender, securing 164 MWp across seven innovative projects, further powering its renewable capacity to over 2.5 GW with agricultural integration.

Neoen SA has secured a total of 164 MWp in France's latest solar tender, confirmed on Thursday. The company won seven projects for ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) capacity, boosting its total secured capacity in France to over 2.5 GW. The winning projects will be located across multiple regions, including Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with several sites integrating agricultural activities alongside solar power generation.

Out of the seven solar plants, six are set to be commissioned gradually between 2026 and 2029, while the seventh, a 73-MWp facility named Tourneuve, will go online in 2032, pending a grid upgrade. This award comes from the recent sixth tender by France’s Energy Regulation Commission (CRE), which allocated a total of 948.3 MWp against a target of 925 MWp.

How will Neoen SA's new projects impact solar capacity and agricultural integration in France?

• Increased Solar Capacity: Neoen SA’s victory in the recent solar tender will add an additional 164 MWp to France’s renewable energy landscape, contributing to the nation’s ambitious climate goals and diversifying its energy sources. The company’s accumulated capacity will surpass 2.5 GW, reinforcing France's commitment to achieving a 40% share of renewables in its energy mix by 2030.
• Enhanced Regional Energy Profiles: The new solar projects will be distributed across various regions, including Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, which will locally enhance energy production and create job opportunities in these areas. This regional approach can help alleviate energy poverty and foster economic growth through local investments.
• Long-Term Energy Security: The phased commissioning of the plants, starting from 2026 through 2032, could provide a stable and predictable flow of energy resources into the grid. This will help fortify France’s energy security, particularly in the context of global energy fluctuations and the ongoing transition towards sustainable energy sources.
• Agricultural Integration: Several of Neoen’s new solar facilities plan to incorporate agricultural activities, implementing agrivoltaics, where solar panels are installed in a manner that allows crops to be grown simultaneously underneath. This dual-use approach can maximize land efficiency and provide farmers with additional revenue streams, while also promoting sustainable land practices.
• Support for Sustainable Agriculture: The integration of solar energy generation within agricultural settings can lead to enhanced sustainability practices. For example, the shading provided by solar panels can improve soil moisture retention, potentially reducing irrigation needs, and creating a more resilient farming system in response to climate change.
• Climate Resilience: With increasing weather extremes, the configuration of solar projects alongside agricultural activities can enhance the resilience of farming operations. Solar energy can also support irrigation systems and other farming operations, mitigating the impact of droughts and excess rainfall.
• Community Engagement and Benefits: The development of these projects will likely involve community consultations and partnerships, which can lead to better local acceptance and support for renewable energy initiatives. By incorporating community input, Neoen can further align projects with local needs and expectations.
• Investment in Infrastructure: The commissioning of new solar plants may require enhancements to local grid infrastructure, helping to modernize and improve the reliability of the electricity distribution network in these regions. This infrastructure investment can have long-lasting benefits for energy access and efficiency.
• Contribution to Net Zero Goals: The increase in solar capacity significantly contributes to France's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. By scaling up renewable energy assets, France can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, moving closer to international climate commitments.
• Showcasing Technological Advancements: Neoen’s projects may incorporate cutting-edge solar technology, including bifacial panels and advanced tracking systems, which can enhance energy yield. This can position France as a leader in renewable technology innovation, encouraging further advancements and investments in the sector.