wpd Solar France Begins Construction Of 140.6MW Marcy Solar Park Across 187 Hectares, Powering 78,800 Residents

wpd solar France has officially started construction on the Marcy solar park, located in the Nièvre department in central France. The photovoltaic project, with a total installed capacity of 140.6 megawatts peak, will span 187 hectares and is designed to meet the annual electricity needs of nearly 78,800 residents. Preparations for the project began last year with the construction of the connection to the high-voltage grid by French grid operator RTE. Recently, wpd completed the solar park’s own substation on site.

Construction of the photovoltaic arrays has now commenced and is expected to take approximately 15 months, with the first green electricity production anticipated in fall 2026. The Marcy solar park was developed in partnership with Cryo as a large-scale project that combines renewable energy generation with agricultural revitalization. Working with five local farmers, the site will support sheep farming under the photovoltaic modules, while surrounding land will be used for cattle farming.

In total, wpd and Cryo have reclaimed 632 hectares of land to support this dual-use approach. Damien Brunon, co-managing director of Cryo, explained that the project demonstrates how energy production and agriculture can coexist. He noted that the parallel agricultural activities allow farmers to earn a stable income while contributing to France’s energy transition, offering a new perspective on the future of rural areas.

The project also incorporates measures to protect and enhance biodiversity, including the preservation and restoration of wetlands, conservation of forest areas, and the creation of wildlife corridors. Matthias Boll, President of wpd solar France, said the Marcy solar park is one of the largest solar projects in the country and exemplifies the potential to combine renewable energy, agricultural development, and biodiversity protection. He expressed gratitude to Cryo and all local partners for their dedication, describing the project as a significant milestone for wpd in France.