Energy and Velto Renewables have officially opened Europe’s largest floating solar plant, Les Ilots Blandin, located in Haute-Marne, France. This facility has a capacity of 74.3 MWp and consists of over 135,000 photovoltaic modules spread across 127 hectares of repurposed gravel pits in Perthes.
Construction on the project began in September 2023 after five years of planning, and it has reached completion this month. To enhance the overall output, the solar plant includes a 2 MW ground-mounted array alongside its floating sections. Q Energy, the project’s developer, has contributed 274 MW of renewable energy capacity in the region since 2010.
Corentin Sivy, the development director at Q Energy France, emphasized the importance of understanding local conditions, which informed the design of a project that is both technically feasible and well-integrated into the community.
Floating solar technology remains relatively uncommon in northern France, presenting financial challenges. However, this initiative received strong backing, including a €50 million financing package from Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies and Bpifrance. Earlier this year, Velto Renewables acquired a 50% stake in the project and will serve as the long-term asset owner. Lucas de Haro, Velto’s chief executive, stated that their goal is to develop and manage projects that align with local characteristics.
Ciel & Terre was responsible for delivering the floating structures and for the installation of the modules and inverters. Perpetum managed electrical procurement as well as the construction of the ground-mounted array, while Solutions30 oversaw cabling, grid connection, and the overall commissioning of the plant. This project marks a notable advancement in France’s renewable energy landscape.
