wpd Solar France Breaks Ground on 140 MW Marcy Project Integrating Clean Energy with Agricultural Land Use

wpd Solar France Breaks Ground on 140 MW Marcy Project Integrating Clean Energy with Agricultural Land Use

(IN BRIEF) wpd solar France has started construction on the 140.6 MWp Marcy solar park in Nièvre, central France — a landmark project that merges renewable energy generation with sustainable agriculture. Developed with Cryo, the initiative reclaims 632 hectares for dual land use, combining solar power with sheep and cattle farming. Alongside producing enough electricity to power nearly 78,800 people annually, the project integrates biodiversity measures including wetland and forest conservation. Expected to begin operations in late 2026, Marcy showcases wpd’s vision for renewable energy that supports both communities and ecosystems.

(PRESS RELEASE) CHAMPVERT, 14-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — wpd solar France has officially begun construction on the Marcy solar park in France’s Nièvre department, marking a major step in the country’s renewable energy expansion. Designed to produce up to 140.6 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar power, the facility will stretch across 187 hectares and generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of nearly 78,800 people.

The project’s grid connection, overseen by French transmission operator RTE, started in 2024, while wpd has completed installation of the site’s substation. The solar park itself is now entering its main construction phase, expected to last around 15 months, with first output targeted for autumn 2026.

Developed by wpd’s long-term partner Cryo, Marcy represents a new model for sustainable land use — one that brings together energy production, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Working with five local farmers, the project introduces a dual land-use system that combines sheep grazing under the photovoltaic panels with cattle farming on surrounding areas. Together, wpd and Cryo have restored 632 hectares of agricultural land, showing how renewable energy can coexist with — and even strengthen — local farming practices.

“This initiative demonstrates how renewable power and farming can thrive together,” said Damien Brunon, Co-Managing Director of Cryo. “By allowing agricultural activity to continue alongside solar generation, we’re helping farmers secure stable livelihoods while advancing the energy transition. It’s a practical and forward-looking approach to rural sustainability.”

In addition to energy generation and agricultural integration, the project incorporates key biodiversity measures such as preserving wetland habitats, protecting forested areas, and creating wildlife corridors to maintain ecological balance across the site.

Matthias Boll, President of wpd solar France, highlighted the project’s broader importance: “Marcy stands as one of France’s most ambitious solar developments — a symbol of how renewable energy, biodiversity, and local agriculture can evolve together. We’re proud of what this collaboration with Cryo and our regional partners represents for the future of sustainable infrastructure.”

With Marcy, wpd continues to strengthen its leadership in France’s renewable energy landscape, aligning industrial innovation with environmental and social responsibility.

About wpd

wpd is one of the world’s leading developers and operators (IRPP) of wind and solar farms. Founded in 1996, the company develops, finances, constructs and operates wind farms and solar parks in 33 countries. The IRPP business includes projects in its own portfolio with a total capacity of 3,512 MW. Thanks to its growing expertise, the company is considered a reliable partner for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). wpd is steadily expanding its activities in the German domestic market and internationally in Europe, Asia, North America and South America and has a project pipeline totaling 31,585 MW of onshore wind and 7,360 MW of solar energy.

www.wpd.de

Media contact:

Matthias Boll
wpd solar GmbH
Managing director
President of wpd solar France
Mail: m.boll@wpd.de
Phone: +49 (421) 16866 10

Nicolas Guillemet
wpd solar France
Project manager solar
Mail: n.guillemet@wpd.fr

Christian Schnibbe
wpd GmbH
Head of communication & PR
Mail: c.schnibbe@wpd.de
Phone: +49 (421) 16866 10

SOURCE: wpd