TotalEnergies has successfully concluded the acquisition of Ombrea, a prominent player in the field of agrivoltaics in France. Founded in 2016, Ombrea has carved a niche for itself by establishing ten sites and conducting research on approximately fifty crop varieties. This research has culminated in the development of innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate agricultural production with renewable energy generation.
TotalEnergies' strategic move involves the integration of Ombrea's specialized teams and expertise into its existing renewable energy operations. The primary objective is to expedite the expansion of agrivoltaic initiatives, both domestically and internationally. Under the Ombrea brand, TotalEnergies will offer comprehensive solutions to the farming community, empowering them to harness the dual benefits of solar power and agricultural output. These solutions encompass measures to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions, maintain or enhance crop yields, and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Beyond enhancing its capabilities, this acquisition positions TotalEnergies to fast-track the growth of its agrivoltaic portfolio, encompassing a staggering 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of projects. These projects align with the criteria outlined in the French Renewable Energy Acceleration Law, which was enacted in March 2023, reinforcing TotalEnergies' commitment to sustainable energy practices.
As part of this transition, TotalEnergies will welcome over forty experts from Ombrea, including its founders, Christian Davico and Julie Davico-Pahin. They will join TotalEnergies employees who specialize in agrivoltaics at Ombrea's Aix-en-Provence facility, which will serve as the epicenter of the company's agrivoltaics division.
Vincent Stoquart, Senior Vice President of Renewables at TotalEnergies, expressed pride in this milestone, stating, “We are proud to welcome the French agrivoltaics leader Ombrea to the company. This move will allow us to combine our expertise and know-how to accelerate the deployment of solutions that enable the agricultural sector to increase its income by producing energy, while sustaining its activities and reducing its carbon footprint.”
See also: TotalEnergies and European Energy Announce 4GW Onshore Renewable Project Collaboration
TotalEnergies' foray into agrivoltaics through the acquisition of Ombrea underscores the increasing synergy between renewable energy and agriculture, offering a promising avenue for sustainable development in both sectors.
