Q ENERGY and Velto Renewables have officially inaugurated Europe’s largest floating solar power plant, named Les Ilots Blandin, in Haute-Marne, France. This facility spans 127 hectares, featuring over 135,000 solar panels and achieving an installed capacity of 74.3 megawatt-peak (MWp). It is projected to generate enough electricity annually to supply around 37,000 residents, which represents about 65% of the Saint-Dizier, Der et Blaise urban community’s population.
The Les Ilots Blandin project, which began development in 2019, took over five years to materialize, with construction commencing in September 2023 and commercial operations set to start in June 2025. The initiative aims to revitalize a previously artificial area that lacked economic use. To enhance profitability, Q ENERGY included a complementary ground-mounted solar installation of 2 MW to help balance costs and maximize electricity output, addressing the higher expenses associated with floating solar systems compared to traditional ground installations.
The floats supporting the solar panels were designed and manufactured by the French company Ciel & Terre, which also managed the installation of the photovoltaic modules and anchoring systems. Perpetum was responsible for acquiring inverters and electrical transformation stations, in addition to constructing the ground-based solar park. The consortium appointed Solutions30 to conduct essential electrical work, including wiring and grid connection.
Initial funding for the Les Ilots Blandin project was secured in September 2024, raising over €50 million ($54.47 million) through collaborations with Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies and Bpifrance. In early 2025, Velto Renewables, supported by global investment group La Caisse, acquired a 50% stake in the project. During the inauguration, Velto Renewables CEO Lucas de Haro emphasized the strategic value of this venture in France, affirming the company’s commitment to sustainable expansion within the country.
Corentin Sivy, Development Director of Q ENERGY France, noted that the company has previously operated two wind farms in the region since 2010, contributing to a total renewable electricity capacity of 274 MW in Haute-Marne. He stated that understanding local economic and institutional stakeholders was vital for the success of the Les Ilots Blandin project, which is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 18,000 tonnes annually.
