Voltalia Expands with 28 MW Solar Rooftop Acquisition

• Voltalia's Helexia acquires 202 agricultural PV hangars in France, boosting sustainable farming with 28 MW capacity—transforming agriculture into a green powerhouse!

Voltalia SA, through its subsidiary Helexia, has acquired a portfolio of 202 agricultural photovoltaic (PV) hangars in France, totaling 28 MW of power generation capacity. This strategic purchase enhances Voltalia's initiatives in the farming sector, as the company looks to provide tailored solutions for farmers. The facilities operate under 20-year electricity sales contracts and are already producing power.

Since launching its agrivoltaic efforts in 2021 with a 3-MW project in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, Voltalia has expanded significantly, now boasting over 190 MW of agrivoltaic sites. The company is actively developing additional projects with a potential capacity exceeding 1 GW, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable energy integration within agriculture.

How does Voltalia's new acquisition impact its agrivoltaic strategy in France?

• Expansion of Capacity: With the acquisition of 202 agricultural PV hangars, Voltalia's total agrivoltaic power generation capacity will increase significantly, reinforcing its position as a key player in the renewable energy sector in France.
• Support for Farmers: By expanding its agrivoltaic projects, Voltalia can offer more tailored solutions, combining energy production with agricultural practices, ultimately benefiting farmers through reduced energy costs and new revenue streams from leasing land for solar installations.
• Long-term Contracts: The 20-year electricity sales contracts associated with the newly acquired facilities provide Voltalia with a stable revenue stream, enabling continued investment in innovative agrivoltaic technologies and research.
• Sustainability Focus: The integration of solar energy production with agriculture aligns with broader sustainability goals, allowing farmers to continue productive land use while contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
• Increased Project Scale: With its existing projects and further developments planned, Voltalia's cumulative agrivoltaic capacity exceeding 1 GW represents a significant milestone that showcases the company's commitment to leading in this emerging market.
• Synergy Between Energy and Agriculture: This acquisition reinforces the synergy between the agricultural sector and renewable energy, potentially leading to new farming practices that utilize solar energy, thereby promoting biodiversity and resource efficiency.
• Contribution to Energy Security: The expansion of agrivoltaic initiatives supports energy independence in France, helping to ensure more resilient and diversified energy supplies, particularly in rural areas that can benefit from localized energy generation.
• Innovation Opportunities: Voltalia's ongoing development in agrivoltaics may open doors for innovative technologies, such as dual-use systems that not only generate solar power but also enhance crop yields, thus attracting interest from technology developers and agricultural scientists.
• Regulatory Compliance and Support: This move aligns with France's energy transition policies aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy, reflecting Voltalia's proactive approach to governmental regulations and incentives supporting agrivoltaic installations.
• Market Leadership Potential: By significantly growing its agrivoltaic portfolio, Voltalia positions itself as a leader in the intersection of renewable energy and agriculture, making it an attractive partner for stakeholders interested in sustainable farming practices.
• Customer Engagement: The expansion is likely to enhance Voltalia's engagement with farmers, creating collaborative models that leverage local knowledge and experiences to optimize both energy generation and agricultural productivity.
• Job Creation: The new facilities and ongoing agrivoltaic projects can contribute to local job creation, providing employment opportunities in areas such as installation, maintenance, and agricultural support services related to solar energy.
• Community Benefits: By integrating renewable energy solutions into the agricultural ecosystem, Voltalia supports local communities, potentially increasing public acceptance and support for renewable energy projects and their benefits.