A project combining renewable energy and agriculture

The Saulieu solar plant is being built on grassland to the northeast of the town, in an Urbanization zone according to the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (Local Urbanism Plan). 
It is located between the railroad track and the hamlet of Ferme de l’Auxois, to the south of the Ardillières commercial and industrial zone.

The project covers a total surface area of 10.2 hectares (25 acres), part of which will be devoted to the installation of photovoltaic panels. 

A market gardening activity is planned for the site, with land made available for free and support provided for the installation of greenhouses and access to water. The aim of this initiative is to maintain sustainable agricultural activity while benefitting from the advantages offered by the presence of solar panels. 

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Our CSR commitments

Assistance with the installation and preservation of sustainable agriculture

Preservation of a significant long-term farming activity through the provision of plots of land for a period of 30 years.
Installation assistance thanks to agricultural investments supported by the project and the providing of land for free.

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Local support

A response to local farming issues: creation of local jobs, a local distribution channel, sustainability.

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Water management

Reduction in water requirements for crops.

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Climate resilience

Crop production is physically protected from climatic variations: heat, heatwaves, drought, wind, rain, hail, frost.

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Preservation of natural environments

Prevention and reduction measures have been put in place from the very start of the project’s design, including the circumvention of 20,000m² (215,000 sq. ft.) of wetland and adjustments to the layout of the peripheral paths. There are some residual impacts, which is why a compensation measure has been foreseen in the same catchment area, in collaboration with the Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer CCAS (Community Social Action Center), and the Morvan Regional National Park. 

This compensation will be delineated via a ORE (Conservation Easement).

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