EDF Renewables inaugurates the Briare solar power plant in Center-Val de Loire

Paris, July 5, 2022 – EDF Renewables announces the commissioning of the Briare solar power plant, in the Loiret department. Located on an abandoned motorway belonging to the Loiret Departmental Council, this 15.5 MW renewable energy installation contributes to the revaluation of the land, in an approach to supporting the territory in its energy transition. 

Located in the north of the town on an abandoned 15-hectare A77 motorway, the Briare solar power plant is made up of 38,000 solar panels. With an installed capacity of 15.5 MW, the plant now produces the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of around 7,100 people.

Winner of a call for tenders from the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) in 2019, this solar power plant is the result of close collaboration between EDF Renewables, the municipality of Briare, the Community of communes Berry Loire Puisaye and the Loiret Departmental Council.

The plant integrates the environmental issues identified from its design. Thus, the reconstruction of a habitat favorable to the development of a species of locust present on the site was carried out near the power plant before the start of the work, in conjunction with an ecological design office. During the work, environmental monitoring was put in place and will be maintained during the operation of the plant. The maintenance of the site's vegetation, without the use of phytosanitary products, will be ensured by sheep grazing thanks to a local shepherd.

In December 2020, residents of Loiret and neighboring departments had the opportunity to invest in the construction of the photovoltaic power plant through a crowdfunding platform. This local fundraising campaign was a great success, reaching the fundraising objective of €338,000.

In total in the region, five solar power plants are under construction or in operation for a cumulative power of around 90 MW.

Jennifer MÉNAGÉ, Area Director of EDF Renewables, states: “ The development of the Briare solar power plant on an artificial space demonstrates EDF Renewables' desire to strengthen its presence in Center-Val de Loire and sustainably support the Region in its energy transition. This installation is fully in line with the EDF group's Solar Plan, which aims to become one of the leaders in solar energy in France by 2035.