SNCF partners with Neoen for 139 MWp solar project

• Neoen SA partners with SNCF Voyageurs to power trains with green electricity from a 139-MWp solar park in France for 25 years.

French renewables firm Neoen SA has signed a long-term deal with SNCF Voyageurs, a unit of state-owned railway group SNCF, to provide green electricity for its trains from a 139-MWp solar park in France. The power purchase agreement with SNCF Energie will last for 25 years, ensuring a stable source of renewable energy for the railway operator.

The Le Couret agrivoltaic park, to be located in the Haute-Vienne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, will be constructed on 150 hectares of sheep grazing land. With construction set to begin in 2026 and completion expected in 2028, the solar park will become Neoen's second largest asset in France. SNCF Energie has committed to purchasing the entire generation of the PV farm, supporting its goal of contracting 1.1 TWh of renewable power by 2028, enough to cover the annual electricity demand of the high-speed Paris-Marseille railway line.

What is the significance of Neoen SA's solar park deal with SNCF Voyageurs?

• Neoen SA's solar park deal with SNCF Voyageurs is significant as it will provide green electricity for the trains operated by SNCF Voyageurs, a major unit of the state-owned railway group SNCF.
  
• The power purchase agreement with SNCF Energie will last for 25 years, ensuring a stable source of renewable energy for the railway operator.
  
• The Le Couret agrivoltaic park, where the solar park will be located, will be constructed on 150 hectares of sheep grazing land in the Haute-Vienne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
  
• Construction of the solar park is set to begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed by 2028, making it Neoen's second largest asset in France.
• SNCF Energie has committed to purchasing the entire generation of the PV farm, supporting its goal of contracting 1.1 TWh of renewable power by 2028, which is enough to cover the annual electricity demand of the high-speed Paris-Marseille railway line.