EDF Renewables has announced the successful commissioning of the Nitry solar power plant in Yonne (89), situated on the outskirts of the A6. This remarkable renewable energy facility marks a significant step towards repurposing an abandoned motorway, supporting the region’s transition towards clean energy.
The Nitry solar power plant has a capacity of 3.8 MWp, generating low-carbon electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 1,900 individuals, or nearly 30% of the town of Avallon (89). The plant is a result of a partnership between EDF Renewables and APRR, a subsidiary of the Eiffage group. Their collaboration was aimed at developing renewable energy projects on three disused motorways, resulting in the construction of the Subligny power plant near the A19, which was inaugurated in October 2022, as well as the Nitry (89) and Col de Bessey (21) power plants near the A6.
The project, which secured its building permit early in 2020, was a winner in the 2021 call for tenders by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). This victory ensures a government-backed electricity purchase tariff for the next two decades. In March 2022, residents of the Yonne department and neighboring areas had the opportunity to invest in the power plant’s construction through the crowdfunding platform Lendosphere. This crowdfunding campaign was a resounding success, raising €80,000 in support of the Nitry power plant.
Construction activities were scheduled to avoid disrupting bird nesting and other critical periods for local wildlife. Ongoing environmental monitoring will persist throughout the plant’s operational lifespan. Additionally, EDF Renewables has entered into an eco-grazing agreement with a local farmer, ensuring vegetation management without the use of harmful chemicals.
The Nitry solar power plant strengthens EDF Renewables’ presence in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, which now has 10 operational solar power plants and 3 wind farms with a combined installed capacity of 155 MW. EDF Renewables is committed to further expansion with 11 solar power plants currently under construction, contributing significantly to the regional goal of achieving 69% renewable energy by 2030.
Robert Poggi, Director of EDF Regional Action in Burgundy-Franche-Comté , said, “ The EDF group and its partners are helping to build a carbon-neutral future in France. The inauguration of the Nitry solar power plant demonstrates the strong dynamic that the EDF group has in favor of renewables in the territories. This new production asset is completely part of the EDF group’s partnership with the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region in favor of the development of carbon-free energies but also of local employment and innovation.
Alexandre Margain, EDF Renewables Regional Manager, noted, “ The Nitry photovoltaic plant is the result of close collaboration between the region and EDF Renewables, but also of the municipality’s desire to get involved in renewable energies. It is fully in line with national and regional energy transition ambitions. EDF Renewables has paid the greatest attention to enhancing the site’s assets with the aim of promoting economic and human development.
