Q Energy and Velto Renewables inaugurated the 9 megawatt-peak (MWp) La Gineste solar farm on Monday in the French municipality of La Tourette-Cabardès, marking the completion of a project more than a decade in the making.
Equipped with over 15,200 solar panels, the plant is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 5,500 people annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 2,850 tonnes per year, the companies said in a joint statement.
“La Gineste is much more than a solar farm—it’s part of a real agricultural project,” said Laurent Duwiquet, regional solar manager at Q Energy France. “It strengthens the long-term viability of a local farm and reflects the shared vision of the farmer, local officials, and our team.”
Velto Renewables, which acquired a 50% stake in the project in March, described the installation as part of its broader strategy for sustainable development in France.
“This project represents much more than just a clean energy production site: it is a model of sustainable land use, designed to generate lasting economic and social benefits at the local level,” said Lionel Daras, France portfolio manager at Velto Renewables.
First identified in 2011, the site was chosen not for high agricultural productivity but for its strategic fit within the surrounding farming landscape. Unused for more than 65 years and ineligible for agricultural subsidies, the land has since been repurposed to support local livestock grazing. Q Energy said the dual use supports biodiversity, improves animal welfare, and provides natural site maintenance.
Environmental concerns played a key role in the project’s planning. Developers applied the “avoid, reduce, compensate” principle to minimize impact on surrounding ecosystems, including moorlands and woodland areas. Native hedgerows were planted to integrate the facility into the local landscape, and wildlife corridors and educational signs were added to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
The project faced delays partly due to the late commissioning of a regional electrical substation in Conques-sur-Orbiel, which was necessary to connect the plant to the national grid. The inauguration concludes a 14-year development process—an unusually long timeline for a photovoltaic project.
La Gineste is one of five renewable energy assets held by Velto Renewables in France, including three in the Occitanie region, and contributes to its long-term energy transition strategy across Europe.
