Q Energy and Velto Renewables have inaugurated Europe’s largest floating solar plant, Les Ilots Blandin (pictured), in Haute-Marne, France.
The 74.3MWp facility comprises over 135,000 photovoltaic modules installed across 127 hectares of former gravel pits in the municipality of Perthes.
Construction began in September 2023, following five years of planning, and was completed this month.
The plant features a 2MW ground-mounted array to complement its floating sections and optimise performance.
Q Energy developed the project and has delivered 274MW of renewables in the region since 2010.
Q Energy France development director Corentin Sivy said: “Understanding the local dynamics allowed us to design a project that is both technically sound and integrated into the region.”
Floating solar installations are still rare in northern France and face cost challenges, but the project was supported by a €50m financing package from Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies and Bpifrance.
Velto Renewables, backed by Canadian institutional investor La Caisse, acquired a 50% stake earlier this year and will act as long-term asset owner.
Velto chief executive Lucas de Haro said: “Our mission is to develop, operate and support projects over the long term, in harmony with local specificities.”
Ciel & Terre delivered the floating structures and installed the modules and inverters, with Perpetum handling electrical procurement and ground array construction.
Solutions30 led cabling, grid connection and overall commissioning.