RWE (RWEG.DE) has officially inaugurated its 3 megawatt (MW) AC Pierrières solar farm in France’s Charente-Maritime region, the company said on Monday.
The facility, located on a rehabilitated landfill site in the municipality of Ardillières, spans 3.6 hectares and includes 7,420 solar modules. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 1,500 households annually.
RWE began developing the project in 2019 in partnership with the local council. The company secured planning approval in 2023 through a competitive tender process overseen by France’s Energy Regulatory Commission. Construction started in late 2024, with electricity production commencing in summer 2025.
“This solar farm showcases our operational capabilities and the excellent collaboration with local stakeholders,” said Katja Wünschel, RWE CEO for Renewables in Europe and Australia.
The project will provide lease income and tax revenues to the local municipality, which plans to use the funds for initiatives such as public building renovations. “This scheme brings substantial economic returns for our community and its residents,” said Ardillières Mayor Olivier Denéchaud.
To minimise the project’s environmental impact, RWE said it implemented measures including hedgerow planting, the creation of wildlife crossings, and limiting the height of panels to improve visual integration into the surrounding landscape.
The Pierrières solar farm is part of RWE’s broader expansion into renewable energy markets in France, where the company continues to scale its wind and solar portfolio.
