wpd solar France has begun construction of Marcy solar park in the Nièvre department, central France.
The the 140.6MWp photovoltaic project spans 187 hectares and will generate enough green electricity to supply around 78,800 residents each year.
Construction of the park’s high-voltage grid connection, managed by French operator RTE, began last year, while wpd recently completed its on-site substation. The build phase is expected to last 15 months, with first power due in autumn 2026.
The Marcy solar park was developed with partner Cryo as a large-scale hybrid project integrating renewable generation and agricultural activity. Sheep and cattle farming will take place across 632 hectares of land reclaimed for dual use under and around the panels.
“This project perfectly illustrates how energy generation and agricultural production can complement each other,” said Damien Brunon, co-managing director of Cryo. “Thanks to the parallel agricultural use, we enable farmers to earn a decent income while contributing to the energy transition. This is a new perspective on the future of rural areas.”
The project also includes biodiversity initiatives such as wetland preservation, forest conservation and wildlife corridor creation.
wpd solar France president Matthias Boll said: “We are very proud to be developing one of the largest solar projects in France, which also enhances the agricultural use of the land. Marcy is a symbolic project that shows it is possible to combine renewable energy generation, the revitalisation of agricultural activities, and the protection of biodiversity.”