French startup Holosolis, backed by innovation group EIT InnoEnergy, has announced an ambitious venture to construct a state-of-the-art solar module assembly plant in France. The project, which involves strategic partnerships with real estate company IDEC Group and solar developer TSE, aims to establish a facility with a capacity of 5GW. Anticipated to commence commercial production in 2025, the plant is projected to reach full capacity by 2027, becoming a significant contributor to the renewable energy sector in France.
Located in the northeastern region of Sarreguemine, near the German border, the assembly plant aspires to generate employment opportunities for approximately 1,700 individuals. The facility will focus on producing solar modules for three key markets: rooftop residential, commercial and industrial rooftop, and agrivoltaics. Although the specific technology employed has not been disclosed, EIT InnoEnergy has been contacted by PV Tech for further details on the innovative technology to be utilized.
Jan Jacob Boom-Wichers, the CEO of Holosolis, expressed his excitement regarding the project, stating, “We will manufacture the most energy-efficient modules, incorporating the latest photovoltaic technologies, with the lowest carbon footprint and highest social standards. Scale effects and line automation will allow for a competitive cost to rival the global giants in the industry.”
This pioneering initiative aligns with the European Commission's Green Deal Industrial Plan, unveiled earlier this year, which emphasizes the expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies in the European Union. The establishment of numerous solar module assembly plants in Europe has been announced since the plan's introduction, reflecting the region's commitment to renewable energy advancement.
Notably, France has witnessed a surge in upstream solar activities in recent months. Carbon, a startup, plans to construct a 5GW cell and 3.5GW module assembly plant in Marseille, scheduled to commence operations in late 2025. Additionally, solar company Reden Solar has outlined its intention to enhance module production capacity in France from 65MW to 200MW per year by 2024, underscoring the growing significance of the country in the solar energy sector.
Furthermore, EIT InnoEnergy's participation in this project aligns with the objectives of the European Solar PV Industrial Alliance (ESIA), as it has been appointed as the secretariat for the alliance. ESIA aims to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 30GW across the entire solar value chain in Europe by 2025, highlighting the collective commitment to bolstering the continent's renewable energy sector.
As Europe intensifies its efforts towards a sustainable future, the establishment of the 5GW solar module assembly plant by Holosolis, in partnership with EIT InnoEnergy, IDEC Group, and TSE, is poised to make a significant contribution to the continent's renewable energy landscape. The initiative not only exemplifies the potential of cutting-edge photovoltaic technologies but also underscores the region's dedication to meeting its ambitious net-zero targets.
