Lightsource BP is setting up in France with a head office in Aix-en-Provence and plans to develop 1GW of solar projects in the country by 2026.
The French unit will be headed by Raphael Colas, who is actively growing his team that currently boasts European and international experience.
He has nearly 12 years of experience in the photovoltaic sector in France and abroad, and was previously responsible for EPC sales and business development at Engie Solar.
In France, Lightsource BP will have a 360 degree offering, encompassing the entire lifecycle of solar energy projects – initial site selection, financing, permitting, long-term management of production sites and sale of electricity.
The company will participate in public tenders and offer companies sustainable energy supply contracts or power purchase agreements at competitive rates that are stable over time.
It is recruiting across France including Bordeaux and Lyon in 2022 as a part of efforts to grow its French team and deliver on its goals as well as play a part in supporting France as it transitions to a lower carbon future.
Lightsource BP will create around 15 roles including land prospectors, engineers, developers, grid managers, GIS specialists and project managers.
Colas said: “We will invest in projects at various stages of development. Some will be developed from scratch, others will be co-developed with partners.
“We will also invest in projects that are in the process of being appraised or that have already obtained all the necessary permits.
“For us, each of these projects, throughout France, will have the local economy at its core: we operate our production sites for an average of 30 years, generating economic growth and sustainable jobs for the regions concerned.”
Lightsource BP chief executive for Europe and APAC said: “France represents a major challenge for us.
“Our ambition, with this move, is to take advantage of our experience acquired elsewhere in the world, at a key moment for France.
“France is committed to integrating at least 100GW of solar energy into its energy mix by 2050, so our entry comes at the right time.”