Q ENERGY Inaugurates 8.5 MW Cahuzac-sur-Adour Solar Park on Redeveloped Quarry Site in France’s Occitanie Region

Q ENERGY has officially inaugurated the 8.5 MW Cahuzac-sur-Adour solar park in the Occitanie region of France, marking the successful conversion of a former quarry into a renewable energy facility. The ceremony was attended by several local representatives, highlighting strong regional support for the project.

Redeveloping a Former Industrial Site for Clean Energy

The site, classified as an ICPE (Installation Classified for Environmental Protection), previously operated as a grinding, crushing, and screening quarry from 1993 to 2019. Its transformation into a solar power plant represents the repurposing of an already industrialised area, supporting both environmental rehabilitation and regional energy transition goals.

The facility spans 7.5 hectares and features 14,500 solar panels. It now generates renewable electricity for nearly 5,000 people and helps avoid approximately 2,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The project contributes to France’s national objective to lift renewable energy to 32% of gross final energy consumption by 2030 and supports Occitanie’s target of becoming an “energy-positive region” by 2050.

Strengthening Q ENERGY’s Presence in Occitanie

Cahuzac-sur-Adour is Q ENERGY’s first solar park developed in the Gers department. The company has long been active across the Occitanie region, where it has already developed or constructed 12 solar parks and 14 wind farms—supplying renewable energy to nearly 400,000 residents.

“This project was led in an exemplary manner by the teams at Q ENERGY. Collaboration with local elected officials enabled the development of a solar farm that is well integrated into its territory and whose economic benefits will enable local authorities to carry out projects and investments,” said Maud Gaide, Solar Director at Q ENERGY.

Ecological Features Embedded into the Project

The Cahuzac-sur-Adour solar park integrates several biodiversity-focused measures. These include wildlife-friendly fencing, amphibian barriers, hedge planting, and ecological sowing across the site.

The first of three major ecological enhancements has already been completed: the creation of hibernacula to provide shelter for reptiles, insects and amphibians. Additional measures scheduled for implementation include:

• educational panels along the Adour hiking trail to raise awareness of biodiversity and the energy transition,
• reshaping an embankment to encourage recolonisation by European bee-eaters, which thrive in managed and secluded natural environments.

Favourable vegetation management under the panels, along with preservation of senescent trees, is expected to further enhance conditions for local wildlife.

“The entire team working on this project was committed to developing a project that is consistent with environmental protection values. Our green electricity production projects must respect natural site characteristics while enhancing their ecological value,” said Véronique Sauzay, Regional Solar Manager at Q ENERGY.