BayWa r.e. Transforms Former Military Bases into 136MW Solar Powerhouses in France
BayWa r.e. has turned history into a beacon of clean energy by completing five solar farms totaling 136MW across two former military bases in France. Located in central and south-western France, these solar installations span a combined area of 151 hectares and feature over 300,000 solar panels. This ambitious project not only harnesses renewable energy but also revitalizes lands with deep historical roots.
From War Zones to Solar Zones: A New Era for La Martinerie and Fontenet
At the former La Martinerie military base near Châteauroux, two solar parks now generate a combined 82GWh of renewable electricity annually. The 40MW Greenberry solar park, the latest addition, was recently commissioned, joining its 30MW counterpart, Blueberry, which began operations in 2021. These sites are not just producing clean power; they are writing a new chapter in a location that was once a hub for military training and operations.
Over at the Fontenet base in Charente-Maritime, three solar parks—Fontenet 1, 2, and 3—collectively produce another 82GWh each year. Fontenet 1 started operations back in 2014, Fontenet 2 in 2022, and Fontenet 3 has just completed construction. These projects symbolize a dynamic shift from past military use to a sustainable, energy-rich future.
Sustainability Meets Innovation: Coactivity and Biodiversity at the Heart of Solar Development
BayWa r.e. has integrated innovative measures to ensure that these solar farms support both energy production and ecological health. By contracting leases with local farmers, the company has enabled sheep farming to occur on the solar sites. This approach not only provides an additional income stream for farmers but also reduces the need for mechanical vegetation management, preserving local biodiversity.
The company has taken further steps to protect the local flora and fauna. At the Greenberry and Blueberry farms, special measures were implemented to protect native orchid species, create shelters for reptiles, and ensure small terrestrial wildlife can pass freely through the fences. In Fontenet, BayWa r.e. also contributed to the local community by installing solar panels on a municipal building, highlighting its commitment to sustainable local development.
A Historic Transformation: From Military Bases to Clean Energy Hubs
Both La Martinerie and Fontenet have rich histories dating back to the early 20th century. La Martinerie began as a pilot school in 1915 and later hosted the 3rd Fighter Regiment from 1920. Meanwhile, Fontenet was developed during the interwar period and later housed NATO forces from 1951 to 1969 before their eventual closure in the 2000s. Before BayWa r.e. could transform these sites into solar farms, extensive pyrotechnic decontamination was necessary. At Fontenet, several unexploded shells were secured, and at La Martinerie, a 250kg bomb was unearthed as recently as 2023.
A Milestone for Renewable Energy and Land Rehabilitation
Celine Tran, Regional Director of Projects Europe South-West at BayWa r.e., emphasized the significance of these projects: “This example of land rehabilitation as part of the energy transition represents yet another milestone for our innovative and local approach in France. With a strong regional footprint, we are committed to creating positive impacts and benefits for the local community.”
BayWa r.e.’s solar projects on former military sites illustrate how renewable energy can drive both environmental and rural development. The company has also showcased its commitment to wind energy, with a recent sale of the 9MW Quilly wind farm to the local community, underscoring its diverse approach to supporting sustainable growth in France. #CleanEnergyRevolution #SolarPower #FranceRenewables #SustainableDevelopment #LandRehabilitation #GreenEnergy #Biodiversity #RenewableEnergy #CommunityImpact #BayWaRE