Neoen, France’s leading independent producer of exclusively renewable energy, has started construction on three new solar farms and a new wind farm in France, representing a combined capacity of 101 MW.
The BA 217 solar farm, with an installed capacity of 41 MWp, will be built at the Bretigny-sur-Orge military base. It spans the municipalities of Plessis-Pâté and Bretigny-sur-Orge in Essonne, to the south of Paris. The project was awarded in 2021 under a tender process held by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, as part of its ‘Place au Soleil’ initiative. Following extensive clearing of unexploded ordnances, Neoen has entrusted Eiffage Energie Systèmes with the construction and maintenance of the solar farm. The asset is scheduled to start operating in 1H28 and will be the largest solar farm in the Île-de-France region.
The two new agrisolar farms which will combine sheep farming and renewable energy generation are:
Saint-Just solar farm (30 MWp) in the Cher department, where a new sheep pen will be installed for a flock of 150 sheep. The solar farm will be built by Sireos, who will also be responsible for maintenance once the site enters operation, which is expected to happen in 1H28.
La Ferme des Cros solar farm (16 MWp) in the Charente department. Neoen has appointed Eiffage Énergie Systèmes to oversee the construction and maintenance of the solar farm. The asset is also scheduled for commissioning in 1H28.
The Moulin à Vent wind farm (14 MW), comprising three wind turbines, is located in the Haute-Vienne region. It will generate approximately 28.5 GWh each year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 12 000 people, or more than half the population of the Haut-Limousin en Marche. As part of this project, Neoen is supporting a local cultural centre in the Haut-Limousin area. Construction of the wind farm has been contracted to Vestas, Atlas Fondations and Colas. Commissioning is scheduled for late 2027.
These four projects demonstrate Neoen’s ability to develop and deliver solar and wind projects across France in close consultation with landowners, farmers, local stakeholders, and government authorities. This collaborative approach ensures the projects are seamlessly integrated into their local communities, as well as addressing local energy and environmental challenges.
With over 2.5 GW of capacity in operation or under construction in France, Neoen is playing a major role in the country’s energy transition. The company continues to develop an extensive project pipeline, with a further 300 MW expected to enter construction over the next 12 months.
Christophe Desplats-Redier, CEO of Neoen France, commented: “We are delighted by these latest achievements, which reflect the hard work and commitment of our French team. 2026 is turning out to be an important year for Neoen in France with the launch of several landmark projects. I would like to thank all the local stakeholders who have worked alongside us to bring these projects to fruition, as well as Enedis and our industrial partners who will soon be bringing them to life.”
Xavier Barbaro, Neoen Group CEO, concluded: “I would like to congratulate the French team on these four new projects and for having launched the construction of over 500 MW of capacity so far this year, a major contribution towards our global annual target of 2 GW. We are proud to be accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, competitive, and reliable energy future in France, and around the world.”
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