RWE has inaugurated its 3MWac Pierrières solar farm in the Charente-Maritime region of France.
The project, located on a former landfill site in the municipality of Ardillières, features 7420 modules across 3.6 hectares and will generate enough green electricity to supply around 1500 households.
RWE launched the scheme in 2019 with the local council and secured its permit in 2023 under a French Energy Regulatory Commission call for tenders. Construction began at the end of 2024 with generation starting in summer 2025.
The facility will provide lease payments and tax revenues to the municipality, alongside new opportunities such as the renovation of public buildings.
RWE CEO renewables Europe and Australia Katja Wünschel said the project demonstrates “our operational capabilities and the excellent collaboration with local stakeholders”.
Mayor of Ardillières Olivier Denéchaud said the scheme brings “substantial economic returns for our community and its residents”.
RWE said it worked with experts to minimise environmental impact, including planting hedgerows, creating wildlife crossings and limiting panel height to improve landscape integration.