RWE has officially opened its Pierrières solar farm in the municipality of Ardillières, Charente-Maritime, France, as part of the company's renewable energy expansion. The facility, situated on a former municipal landfill site, comprises 7,420 solar modules with an installed capacity of 3.37 MWac, providing clean electricity to approximately 1,500 households.

The project was launched in 2019 in collaboration with the local council and received its construction permit in 2023. The same year, it was selected under the technology-neutral call for tenders issued by the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2024, with electricity generation expected to commence in the summer of 2025.

Technical Specifications and Layout

The Pierrières solar farm is spread across four plots, covering a total area of 3.6 hectares. The facility features 7,420 solar panels with a combined installed capacity of 3.37 MWac. The installation will generate sufficient green electricity to meet the annual needs of around 1,500 households, including their heating requirements. The project demonstrates how formerly unused municipal land can be repurposed to support the energy transition while producing low-carbon electricity.

The site's previous use as a landfill has been transformed into a productive renewable energy facility.

Economic Benefits for Local Community

The solar farm is expected to deliver significant local economic benefits to the municipality of Ardillières. Built on municipal land, the project will provide an annual lease payment to the local council in addition to the usual tax revenues generated by the facility. Mayor Olivier Denéchaud highlighted the multiple benefits the project brings to the community, stating:

“The Pierrières solar farm brings multiple benefits: built on a former municipal landfill, it will generate substantial economic returns for our community and its residents. It also enables us to launch new projects, such as the renovation of municipal buildings, particularly our school.”

Environmental Measures and Sustainability

RWE worked with leading experts to minimize the project's environmental impact on its surroundings by avoiding both dry and wet habitats characteristic of the area. Several environmental measures have been implemented as part of the project's development. These measures include the planting of hedgerows around the facility, the creation of wildlife crossings to maintain local ecosystem connectivity, and enhanced landscape integration achieved through the limitation of solar panel height.

The project combines power generation capabilities with environmental excellence standards.

Company Leadership and Strategic Vision

Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, emphasized the significance of the project for the company's French operations. “With the inauguration of the Pierrières solar farm, RWE is taking another step forward in its solar activities in France, where we have strong ambitions. Delivered in less than five years – from development through completion of construction and commissioning - this project demonstrates our operational capabilities and the excellent collaboration with local stakeholders that has been established throughout its development,” Wünschel stated.

The project timeline spans less than five years from initial development through to completion of construction and commissioning, showcasing the company's operational capabilities in the French renewable energy market. The successful collaboration with local stakeholders throughout the development process has been a key factor in the project's completion.

The Pierrières solar farm represents RWE's continued expansion in France's renewable energy sector, illustrating how former industrial sites can be effectively repurposed for clean energy generation while providing economic benefits to local communities.

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