Q Energy has started construction of what is potentially one of the largest floating solar projects in Europe.
The Les Ilots Blandin site in the north west of France will have a capacity of 74.3MW.
Construction is expected to take around 18 months with provisional commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
The power generated will come from several islands spread over a 127-hectare site of former gravel pits which ceased to be used in 2020.
Over 134,000 solar modules will be fixed on floats to form six islands anchored to the banks or to the bottom of the flooded pits.
The design of the floating solar system takes into account the needs of the surrounding aquatic ecosystem.
The materials used are sustainable and designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising energy efficiency.
The floating structures that will equip the site are manufactured in France, supporting the development of a promising European industry.
Since 2018, Q Energy France has been developing floating solar projects, mainly at former quarry sites.
The company has a development pipeline of more than 300MW of floating PV projects.
“Les Ilots Bladin is a wonderful example of how water areas can make an important contribution to the energy transition,” said Q Energy France managing director Jean-Francois Petit.
“Q Energy is continuously focusing on new technologies to make further areas usable in harmony with nature and to supply Europe with green electricity.”