wpd solar France has commenced construction on the 140.6 megawatt-peak (MWp) Marcy solar park in the Nièvre department, marking a significant step in the development of one of the country’s largest photovoltaic projects.
Spanning 187 hectares, the facility is expected to produce enough electricity to power around 78,800 residents annually. Construction began following the completion of an on-site substation, with French grid operator RTE having initiated work on the high-voltage connection in 2024. The full build phase is projected to last approximately 15 months, with grid connection and first power targeted for autumn 2026.
The project is being developed in partnership with Cryo and is designed as a hybrid model, integrating renewable energy generation with ongoing agricultural activity. Approximately 632 hectares surrounding and beneath the solar panels will be used for sheep and cattle grazing.
“This project perfectly illustrates how energy generation and agricultural production can complement each other,” said Damien Brunon, co-managing director of Cryo. “Thanks to the parallel agricultural use, we enable farmers to earn a decent income while contributing to the energy transition. This is a new perspective on the future of rural areas.”
Biodiversity preservation is also a feature of the project, which includes measures such as wetland protection, forest conservation, and the creation of wildlife corridors.
“We are very proud to be developing one of the largest solar projects in France, which also enhances the agricultural use of the land,” said Matthias Boll, president of wpd solar France. “Marcy is a symbolic project that shows it is possible to combine renewable energy generation, the revitalisation of agricultural activities, and the protection of biodiversity.”
The Marcy solar park forms part of France’s broader efforts to expand renewable capacity and promote land-use strategies that balance energy, agriculture, and environmental stewardship.
